General Douglas MacArthur said, “By profession, I am a soldier, and take pride in that fact, but I am prouder, infinitely prouder, to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build; a father only builds, never destroys. The one has the potentialities of death; the other embodies creation of life; and while the hordes of death are mighty, the battalions of life are mightier still. It is my hope that my son, when I am gone, will remember me, not from the battle, but in the home repeating with him our simple, daily prayer, our Father Who art in Heaven.”

The influence a father has on his children and household is so important and creates lifelong memories. Sometimes it is simple things that dads do that create the most meaningful and fun memories. For my children, I know my husband’s jokes and conversations around the dinner table are so special and something they will always remember. Being a dad, however, is not all fun and games. Their role comes with great responsibility as well.

God is the head of man, and man is the head of his family. The parents are the primary teachers for their children and set the example for them to follow. Satan will often aim to attack the father in the home because if dad falls, it causes an effect on the entire family. That is why it is so important that a father constantly put on the full armor of God so that he can stand firm when those attacks come. It is equally as important for wives and children to uphold him in prayer. The father is at the front of the battle, but his family is his army.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, my prayer is that God would strengthen fathers and protect them from the many darts Satan will throw at them. Fathers, may you seek God always, submit to His authority in your life, so that you can lead your family in the ways of the Lord. You are soldiers of God. Your role is irreplaceable, and we are so thankful for each one of you.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for being our loving Heavenly Father. Thank you, also, that you have given us earthly fathers to guide us. We lift them up in prayer, as we know their responsibilities are not easy and Satan will attack them and try to destroy our families. Please guard their hearts and minds. Help them stay focused on you so they can lead us in the ways of the Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.      Ephesians 6:13-17 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.