When I was 25 years old, both of my parents left earth for heaven. I handled their passing as well as I could, thinking I had worked through the grieving process. But in my thirties, a fresh wave of grief hit. I realized how much I missed their direction and affirmation. I was making big decisions, and I wasn’t sure who to call.
It was during this time God highlighted Romans 8 to me. Verse 14 says, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” The Greek word for children here is huios—a child who actively enjoys the affection and guidance of a parent. That’s what I was missing!
Verses 15-16 show us how to allow God to parent us in this way, so we receive all we need for a fulfilling, successful life in Him. The passage says, “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
So, how do we fully receive what we need from our Heavenly Father?
First, we receive our adoption. We are not slaves—we are sons and daughters! Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
Second, we rely on God. Our greatest blessing comes when we depend on God, not our own strength. Jesus reassures us in John 14:18: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” No matter what we face, He is a firm place to put our trust.
Then, we respect God’s leadership. We receive His full reward when we aren’t just determined—we’re consecrated! In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus invites us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
There’s no question fatherlessness is a crisis in our world today. Studies say 90 percent of runaway children, 85 percent of youth in prison, 75 percent of our overall prison population, and 85 percent of behavioral disorders in schools come from fatherless homes.
I’m so thankful we have a perfect Father in heaven—because no matter what kind of experience we’ve had with earthly fathers, we can always run to Him, allowing Him to love and lead us.
Our God is constant, faithful, and always present. When we receive His love and follow His lead, we will never be without what we truly need. He truly is the greatest Father we could ever ask for!
