As I listened to the famous American preacher, I saw him give honour to the labours of his father before he passed on. According to him; “I would not be where I am today, doing what I’m doing if not for the labours of my father.” Then it dawned on me afresh that fathers are ladders.
Friend, fathers are ladders (Psalm 112:1-3). Like what a wise man once said; “if I’ve been able to see any further today. It’s because I have stood on the shoulders of fathers.” But for fathers, our lives would have been marked by struggles and frustrations. Fathers make life easier for their children and those coming after them (Proverbs 13:22).
Where there are no fathers, people lose identity and a sense of purpose (Esther 4:14). It has been said that when you know your father, you have an identity, but when your father knows you, you have an inheritance. You need a sense of identity to live wholly and securely. You need inheritance to live a life of ease and speed (Psalm 16:5-6).
In the physical, fatherlessness is by force. But in the kingdom, fatherlessness is by choice (John 1:12). Despite having God as our Father, a lot of Christians still live as orphans in the kingdom. Until you begin to see and receive God as your Father, you would not experience and enjoy the love, security, and wholeness that come with fathering (John 8:29).
Nobody can outgrow fathers and fathering (1 Corinthians 4:15). No matter how long you have been born again, you cannot outgrow the fatherhood of God. In the same vein, no matter how far you have gone in life and destiny, you need the voice of a father in your life. You cannot outgrow fathering. Every father must have a father. Every pastor must have a pastor (2 Kings 2:12, 6:21).
The danger of fatherlessness is huge. People repeat mistakes that are avoidable (1 Kings 2:5-6, Proverbs 31:1-9). They have no voice of caution and direction in their lives. They lack accountability. They also live life trying to figure out stuff by themselves. You are not supposed to start or live life at your effort level. You are supposed to do so at the father’s level (Genesis 25:5-6). Fathers are ladders.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria