In 2014 there were 24,289,000 youth living in single parent homes in the United States. That’s 35% of all kids in America.
Teens growing up fatherless sometimes have big questions about God. Have you ever struggled with questions like…?
“Does God care less about me and is that the reason I don’t have a dad in my life?”
“Did I do something wrong and is it my fault that dad isn’t around?”
“If my dad is struggling with things like being here for his children, keeping a job or even staying out of trouble… does that mean I’m going to turn out just like him?”
The answers to these questions are all no, no and no!
Have you ever wondered how God feels about the fatherless? I’ve met hundreds of youth who are growing up fatherless. Our High Impact Teen youth outreach focuses intently on the unique needs of fatherless youth and these teens have taught me a great deal.
The Bible says a lot about the fatherless and God makes it clear the although He is not a “respecter of persons”, meaning He doesn’t play favorites… He does have a special place in His heart for the fatherless.
- Exodus 22:22-24, “Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child… my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.”
- Job 29:12, “Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.”
- James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Here is what I see in scripture about God’s heart for the fatherless.
- God loves the fatherless.
- God watches out for the fatherless and provides them food and shelter.
- God is protective over the fatherless and watches closely for their well being.
- God listens to the fatherless and is sensitive to their needs.
- God call Christians to have a heart of ministry and compassion for the fatherless.
If you are fatherless, know that God understands and loves you deeply. If you have a great father, know that God loves and cares for you deeply also and He desires that you have a heart of compassion for a friend who may be growing up fatherless. One way to encourage your friend is to share your life with them and ask your dad to be open to including your friend to do special things with your family.
And remember, God is a father to the fatherless. He desires you to have a relationship with Himself… and He will never leave you or forsake you!
Ken Turner
Learn more at https://kenturnerministries.org/walking-with-god/
Email me at kenturner@highimpactteens.org
