I
would like to believe that I am an averagely responsible person. I don’t lose
my keys often and I do a decent job of remembering to wear clean underwear.
However, there is one responsibility that I do not mind sharing. Whenever I
have the opportunity to be with my son mano y mano for more than 24 hours I get
nervous. There is so much to consider – did he eat, what time did he take his
medicine, is chicken fried rice considered a balanced meal, and do we have to
take a bath if we don’t smell? Thank God for loving Grandparents! Usually I
call in for back up or beg grandma to just to keep him at night.
Determined
to conquer my fears and take a giant step towards being Super Dad, I
committed to just the two of us for a week. (Don’t judge me! I already know
it’s too late you are already shaking your head)
It
wasn’t that I wasn’t willing to keep him, I wasn’t sure if I was able - alone. Of
course I turned to my Super Dad training manual and God gave me the best
instructions.
Jude
1:24 New Living Translation (NLT)
24
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring
you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.
Check
this out! The first part is standard. God deserves all glory always! The second part caught me. It says, “who is able to KEEP you”. As Children of God
we make mistakes, we fall down, and mess up. But we have a Super dad who not
only is able to keep us but also is willing to do it – ALWAYS! The translation
of “keep” in this context means to “guard”. God guards you from your
foolishness by consistently providing a way of escape (1Corinthians 10:13). He
doesn’t say that temptation and sin will not occur but that God willingly keeps
us. And not only keep you but guard you from allowing whatever that is to forever remove you from His presence. I can present all types of protective measures for my son but He has to adhere
to my instructions.
Then,
as any proud dad who has to prove to mom, after intense scrutiny, that her
child is the same way she left him, He makes sure that any mistakes you created
are COVERED! His love is a charge and commitment to you until you are presented
in Heaven or upon His return. He glories in improving and maintaining His
Children. God guards us and helps us to guard our children.
What
will be the outcome of my week with mini me? I’m not certain. But I am
confident and I am willing to guard Him like my Heavenly Father guards me and
present Him with exceeding joy!
I
challenge you to remain in the protective custody of your Father day and night. Allow Him to
keep you. In His presence there is peace, protection, provision and power.
