Fathers: Commanders of the faith
Martha Olawale
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15
I love being my father’s child. Although I haven’t seen him in so long, his influence over my life still speaks. Even at this stage of my existence, with my own children, thoughts of him give me a sense of protection and validity.
He is my Dad and my hero. I spoke with him recently, and even in his old age, his voice is still one of the most familiar; I know it! My heart melted when he said, “Hello, my daughter.” In that instance, I felt like his little girl again. Although he can’t hold my hand to cross the street or hear me call at night, he is still that mighty man who once shielded me. He worked hard as a protector and provider and would give up his freedom for mine without batting an eye. He fought many life battles for our family, sustained many wounds in the process, and has many scars to show for it but never backed down.
The shoulder of a man who walks with God is a resting place, and his heart is stronger than steel. I am speaking about the Kingdom kings, sons of the King of kings. They are well-rounded, grounded leaders whose sole purpose is honoring God. Men like my husband who love the Lord their God, nurture their wives, and shower that love on their children as a father should. They live above their desires to be kingdom-minded as movers of mountains.
There are a million and one things about Christian fathers that make the world a better place. Fathers who are like the men I’ve walked miles with and those I learn with. In a world that is constantly trying to put a price tag on people and define them by attributes outside of God’s ordinances, it is paramount to remind them where they fit in God’s agenda. They lead the pack; they are giants of the faith, sons of God, and partakers of the glory of His majesty. They are strong, wise, courageous banner bearers, and like Jacob, even in their old age, they will rally themselves to bless their sons and daughters and worship God (Genesis 48:2).
No man who walks with the Most High should be downcast. Lift up your heads, and don’t fall prey to words that restrain the giants in you, holding you back from leading in the capacity God has destined you to lead. You are deliverers, providers, and guardians of the mysteries already revealed. Stop believing the lies, God chose who you are, and only God can define you. Knowing God means you live above the world's confines to be all He called you to be.
I don’t know what you have heard or believed about yourself, but if you are a Christian man, you are so much more than even you can imagine. You are the priest of your home, warrior, and commander of the faith. Your shoulders are strong enough to hold that weight placed on you because God is with you like the Mighty Man, as a man of war (Isaiah 42:13). Who you stand for fights for you. You are the son of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, a father like Abraham, a leader of mighty men like David, and a champion of hope and promises like Moses. The baton of righteousness is in your hand, and the next set of giants are banking on you to hold fast to the faith.
