"Father Knows Best"

Have you ever watched the old television program, "Father Knows Best"? The black and white TV syndicated show from the 50's centers on the father in a family of five. The ensemble cast starred Robert Young as the father, Jane Wyatt as the mother, Elinor Donahue as the oldest daughter, Billy Gray as the son, and Lauren Chapin as the youngest daughter. Anyway, in the show, there were always lessons to be learned from the father.  He normally taught all of his children life lessons at one point or another and not necessarily at the same times either.

The same is true today! Our Father teaches us, His children, lessons in life. There are always lessons to be learned from Him. During our journey, He teaches us things we need to know for our individual lives. Some lessons are easier to learn than others. Then, there are those lessons that we may need to learn repeatedly until it sinks in.  Sometimes, we may be too strong-willed or independent... trying to do things on our own in our own way and in our own timing.  Other times, we may be just too hard-headed or hard-hearted to get it the first time around.  Therefore, we have to repeat the lesson for us to get it.  However, many times it takes us to get it; it will be re-taught to us.

One instance is when the children wandered around the wilderness for 40 years.  (Numbers 14:33-35)  Another example is when Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days.  The devil tempted Him during that time. Jesus went through a time of tests then. He also learned some lessons. However, He listened and learned what He needed to know and got out of there as soon as possible.  (Matthew 4:1-11)

A few of those lessons…

Jesus was obedient to His Father during this time of testing.  He was loyal and faithful to His Father's word.  Jesus used His authority and spoke to the devil at every turn.  

Through the times of trials and testing, we learn and grow more in Christ.  (James 1:2-4) We become more like Jesus in every way.  That is what our Father desires for us in order for us to fulfill our purpose in His plan.  (Jeremiah  29:11-13)  Our Father is strengthening and equipping us in these times.  Jesus is increasing, so we must decrease.  (John 3:30)

Therefore, let us listen to our Father.  Learn the lessons we need for our lives.  Allow Him to teach us our lessons.  Then, we can move on too.  That way, we can accomplish what our Father has for us in our lives.  In addition, it will be so much easier and better for us afterwards.  Afterall, our Father knows everything!  So, He definitely knows best!  

Prayer:

Father, help us to be more like Jesus in every way. Teach us our individual lessons and help us to be receptive to all of them. We do not want to be like the children who wandered around the wilderness for 40 years. Please help us to learn all of the lessons necessary for us to get out of our wildernesses, so we can be more like Jesus and also do our Father’s will for our lives. Thank you, Father, for teaching us and helping us all for your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name! Amen!


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.