Raised as His Children

“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ” (Colossians 2:2).

We have witnessed the painful confusion of individuals who try to determine God’s will and make dreadful errors. They force a desperate whim or chance event to become a sign from God. When it is not, they sink into despair. But God did not make us to be puppets on his string. As E. Stanley Jones observed in Victorious Living, “The development of character must be the primary purpose of the Father. He will guide us, but he won’t override us. That fact should make us use with caution the method of sitting down with a pencil and a blank sheet of paper to write down the instructions dictated by God. Suppose a parent would dictate to the child everything he is to do during the day. The child would be stunted. The parent must guide in such a manner that character, capable of making right decisions for itself, is produced. God does the same.” —Dallas Willard, Hearing God Through the Year

Throughout Scripture, God is consistently portrayed as a loving Father who tenderly raises His children, guiding them in love, discipline, and grace. Just as an earthly father nurtures, teaches, and protects his children, our Heavenly Father does so perfectly, with a love that surpasses all human understanding. He is deeply invested in our growth, shaping us to reflect His character and preparing us for eternity with Him. One of the most powerful verses concerning God's fatherly love is found in 1 John 3:1: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" This reminds us that our identity is rooted in His love. God does not treat us as mere followers or servants or puppets, but as His beloved children. This reality changes everything—it reassures us that we are fully known, deeply loved, and unconditionally accepted. Take comfort today knowing that you are a cherished child of God. No matter what challenges or uncertainties you face, rest in the assurance that your Heavenly Father is holding you, guiding you, and loving you with an everlasting love. —DH