Lenten Daily Devotional: Rob Donaldson

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning’s that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.”
Romans 8:26-27
Prayer for the Day from Rob Donaldson
The Lie: That God is not a Good Father.
Several years ago, I was about a three hours’ drive away from home for work. Just as I was getting into bed at the hotel my daughter called in a frantic voice. My son, Robby, a senior in high school, was discovered unresponsive by Carrie, his mother. The paramedics were on site and did not know what was causing the issue. They were headed to the hospital without any answers and there I was three hours away in a hotel room. I was not there to help my son and comfort my wife and daughter. I promptly left but had what seemed like forever to drive home. As I drove, the cries and prayers were full of desperation, pleading with God, cries for healing and recovery, and anything I could think of to bargain with God for my son's life. Finally, during the drive, I was overwhelmed by the truth that Robby is God's son first, before he is my son. And if he is God's first, then his Good Father will care for him always, whether in life or death. This was a difficult realization but also brought great comfort. Robby was ok in the end by God's grace and I had a fuller picture of our Good Father in Heaven. Prayer: Father, forgive me for my doubt and unwillingness to trust you. Forgive me for thinking I have to take care of my family or those around me without your involvement. Forgive me for thinking my will for life is better than yours. Forgive me for not looking to you as my Good Father. Renew us as your people this season so we find hope and trust in you for all things. Grant us your Spirit for unity, fellowship, and love of one another. Grant us comfort in your will for our lives in Christ Jesus. Amen.