A Father's Hope

After sixty-four years of living, forty-one years of marriage, twenty-years of formal education, thirty-nine years in the pastorate, twenty-years of teaching in a Bible College, and forty-nine years of being a Christian, a few thoughts for my children and grandchildren are necessary. With the apostle Paul I can say, “I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Tim. 1:12). The hope of being with Christ is drawing ever nearer. It is a sweet anticipation. I want this hope to be owned and cherished by all my family. Heaven is no fantasy. Its reality rests upon God who is a truth teller. But until that day when we will enjoy the New Jerusalem together, please hear these longings. This is also a call to you my Berachah church family, especially the fathers, to rededicate ourselves to leave no son or daughter behind in our heaven-bound journey.

Miriam, you came to us almost thirty-nine years ago. Our hearts sang with delight as we wrapped you in that yellow blanket and drove away from the hospital in our 1956 blue Chevrolet. You were strong of will. We soon found that out. You grew up in church. You probably don’t remember it, but you would stand on the back pew in that little country church in Indiana and mimicked my song-leading arm motions. Now, as a grown woman with three children of your own, you share the weight with Stacy, your husband, of preparing them for the rest of their lives and eternity. Never forget, that after all is said and done, the most important contribution you can make in the lives of Brennan, Melanie, and Meredith, is an example of authentic Christianity. Stacy, as their father, do all that you can to give them the strong anchorage of knowing what they believe and how to live out their faith in Christ. You work hard in providing for your family and have shown much kindness to your in-laws. We are thankful. Brennan, don’t settle for a life of merely having savored material things. Be strong for Christ. Don’t be ashamed of him. Melanie, you have already given me much encouragement. You took the initiative to start a Bible devotion time in your school. I guess it was hard for third-graders to turn down the invitation of a fifth-grader. Your grandmother and I pray that you will always love God’s Word. It is much better than chocolate ice cream. Meredith, at age five you seem to be ready for high school. But we know better. You have strong opinions and are more than willing to express them. You will need wisdom in life. We all do, and only God can give it. Ask God to teach you how to live life His way.

Eric, when you get a hit in a ball game, I ask you, “Who’s your daddy?” With all kidding aside, the best thing is that you know your heavenly Father. Your spiritual journey was different from your sister’s. That day in October of 1983 changed all our lives. The seizures, the medication, and the automobile wreck certainly made your mother and father realize their helplessness and what it means to trust God. You have fought through some very difficult times, found God to be your strength, and married a soul-mate in Christ. I have watched you father your three sons with admiration for your patience, gentleness, and instruction. May the joy of knowing Christ always be evident in your life. Cheryl, you are an answer to prayer. Your love for Christ, your sweet singing voice, and your desire to rear Connor, Lawson, and Langdon in the ways of God are a precious gift. Connor, seek God with all your heart and do not let anyone or anything keep you from this. Lead those who follow you in the footsteps of Christ. Lawson, treasure God’s Word in your heart, so that you might not sin against Him. Learn from God how to turn your competitiveness into enduring spiritual strength and unflinching loyalty to Christ. Langdon, I pray that your sensitive spirit will be one that is ever tender toward God’s commands and the needs of others.

A living hope saturated with passion for God’s glory-- that is the longing of the heart of this father and grandfather for his children and grandchildren. But there are great obstacles in the way. Our culture is not a friend of God’s truth. Our sinful hearts can imagine vain things. The evil one is skilled in deceit. Is there any hope? There is the hope that underlies all the promises of God. Israel was given the hope of the coming of the Messiah. He came and fulfilled that hope bearing the sins of His people (Acts 26:6, 7; 28:20). Christ was raised from the dead. And there is the hope of His return (Tit. 2:13). Something good is waiting for all those who have believed in Christ. This is a call to all fathers to live out our hope in Christ and give those for whom we are responsible an irrepressible memory of what God-seeking, truth-drenched Christianity is like.

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church