Our story this week comes from our friend, Sherea. She grew up without a father because she was told he died before she was born, however, through a divine meeting she came to understand that God is a father for the fatherless (Psalm 68:5).
Excerpted from the book “Realistically Speaking” by Sherea Ve Juan: http://www.scribd.com/The-Return-of-My-Father-Who-Never-Left/d/33245207
Years ago, I was told my father was killed in a car accident one month after I was born. Well I found out recently that he was very much alive. I always wanted to know how it felt to have a father, a Dad, a pal, a counselor to walk me through the rules of life, you know the birds and the bees.
One day to my surprise, I was on my way to a retreat at church. All of a sudden, I became so angry inside. I wanted to know why he had to die before I had a chance to know him? Why did he leave his only child? Why couldn’t he drive more carefully? Did he love me when he was here? If he were alive today, would he have left me anyway?
I approached my destination with tears in my eyes, my shirt soaked with tears of pain. A big man with a still voice called my name so clear I knew it was Him. I did not have to ask, I didn’t need identification, a physical description, I could hear in His voice. I knew by the way He called my name that He was my Father. “But how could this be, they told me you were dead, but yet, you are very much alive.” I began crying and weeping. I was so confused I didn’t know if I should be crying or if I should be angry with Him for not finding me sooner. I had so many more questions. “Why did you leave me? Why didn’t you search for me? You never provided for me? You missed my wedding and my graduation. But at the same time I wanted to hug him, I wanted him to just wrap his arms around me and tell me all about his life. I wanted to learn everything about him that I missed out for years. So I asked “Where do we start?” [Click “Read More” below to continue]
He said, “First let me tell you my side of the story. From the very first day you were born your family separated us. They wanted you to believe I was dead; they wanted to hide what we shared together. They wanted to hide the talents that were passed to you. They didn’t want you to know how much you resembled me or how we walked the same and talked the same. I was there when you were separated from your family. Somehow I managed to sneak gifts to you…I would leave them in your Sunday school class. I used to come to your church when you were little, singing in the choir. Your spirit was so beautiful and inviting, but the deacons would not let me in the door. I have always loved you; I was there at your graduation and your wedding. But it was not the right time; I wasn’t sure if you were ready. But when I heard you crying, I could not wait any longer. Now you are old enough to make up your own, whether you want a relationship with me. Your family may not approve, your friends may talk about me, but you have to be ready. I have never, and will never leave you.”
I am your Everlasting Father,
A Father of Mercies
And a God of Comfort,
I am Love,
A Wonderful Counselor,
Your Prince of Peace
I am the Author and Finisher of your faith,
I will never leave you nor forsake you,
I am that bridge that carries you over troubled water
I am the Father to the fatherless,
I am the Lawyer when you need a defense,
I am Peace when you can’t be still
I am that raise in your job,
I am that promotion at your workplace,
For if you humble yourself unto Me, I will lift you up,
I am your Light in darkness,
I am your Refuge in the time of trouble;
If you delight yourself in Me
I will give you the desires of your heart,
I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore.
Hallelujah!
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13)
