A Father to A Father

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy." - Psalms 68:5 NLT

Growing up without the presence of a father I resented my father for years. He wasn't there to teach me about relationships, how to drive a car, play sports, or play an instrument. He was absent for much of my childhood. But oddly enough, I still loved this man. I could never understand why. 

Over time, I began to look back and see that in spite of his absence, the position of the Father in my life became so clear I couldn't believe I missed it. Throughout my childhood, I was constant in prayer, talking to God about my day, asking for guidance and wisdom, and building a relationship with Him. 

For many of you reading this, you may be thinking how is that possible. The essence of a father is one who you can see, hear and touch. And I can agree.

When I look back at my childhood, despite the absence of a father, God placed father figures and role models in my life that helped provided guidance to many of the questions I prayed for. I gravitated toward these men who provided wisdom and invested in my development. I saw God through them and they were the tangible embodiment of God as father in my life.

After this realization, I began to understand my love for my father despite his absence. I had compassion for him. See, he was walking through life without a father himself. Now, late in his life, he seeks counsel from his son in regard to following Jesus. He counts himself unworthy. To this day I encourage him that God pursues him as he is. There is no work great enough that would make God love him anymore, no shortcoming that would make him love him any less than He does at this moment. 

Without his absence, I don't believe I would have come to understand the love of God "the Father" as I do now. And even more incredible, is that the very counsel I received from God and those He placed in my life, are the very lessons I carry and share with my own father today.

He still feels unworthy, but my heart is full knowing that in spite of that God still works miracles.

And what may have seemed impossible became possible and my dad received Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Bio

Miguel Guzman is a Newyorican who grew up in Central Florida and now resides in Sunny Isles Beach, FL with his beautiful wife of 14 years. As a certified Audio Engineer, he loves to produce music on his free time and volunteer leading the production team at 1 Name Church.
He is also a travel and foodie aficionado, always looking to explore new territories, dishes and sharing his love of God and people.