A group of guys were talking about the need to get in shape physically. All were past the age of forty and realized it was not going to get any easier as they approached fifty. When it came time to commit to the program agreed upon, one guy balked and said, “I am in shape - Round is a shape. I’m good.”

Are you “good”? Or, are you intentional about getting in shape? “Are you prepared to let God take you into union with Himself, and pay no more attention to what you call the ‘great things’? Are you prepared to abandon entirely and let go? The test of abandonment is in refusing to say – ‘Well, what about this?’ Beware of suppositions. Immediately you allow – ‘What about this?’ it means you have not abandoned. You do not really trust God. Immediately you do abandon, you think no more about what God is going to do. Abandon means to refuse yourself the luxury of asking any questions.” – Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (4/28).

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11. These were words of encouragement from the Lord to Jeremiah pointing to a time after 70 years of exile in Babylon. The plans the Lord has for each of us include being in better shape spiritually as we transition from a time of exile in our homes to be a stronger Kingdom influence in this world. Are you in better shape today as a result of this lockdown time? Has the Light of our Lord shown through the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges faced? But for you who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. – Malachi 4:2. I pray His name has been revered to a new level in your home and that the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays, empowering and emboldening you as a faithful father.

A faithful father is a dad that prioritizes physical presence, is engaged emotionally and leads spiritually by example. Physical presence has been a given the last few months - Empty nests have refilled with college kids and many homes have dad, mom and the kids present 24/7. It has been an excellent time to get in shape as a family emotionally and spiritually. No doubt, emotions have been taxed at times and frustration has ruled some moments. But know that the Lord’s plans will prevail as His name is revered through dads’ intentional efforts to stay in shape physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your word and the plans You have for me and my family. Two months ago, I was confidently working through my plans. When the Covid curveballs hit, I asked, “What about this?” many times, failing to abandon and trust You. Forgive me. I realize my plans are not Your plans. Thank You for the wakeup call and the glimpses of Your glory granted in what I now call our bonus family time together. Help me get in better shape. I want to abandon and trust in Your plans, revere Your name to a new level as a family and embrace fully the sun of righteousness in our home and beyond. Keep me in shape physically, emotionally and spiritually, empowered and emboldened as the faithful father You call me to be. Amen.

A faithful father stays in shape physically, emotionally & spiritually.