GraceFox

A most amazing thing happened to me yesterday. It began in the morning as I prepared for the last session of a women’s retreat where I was the speaker.  Suddenly one word popped into my mind: Daddy.

I sensed instantly that God had spoken, but what was He trying to tell me? He couldn’t be referring to my earthly father—he died three years ago. Besides, I’d always called him Dad, never Daddy.

“What are You telling me?” I asked. The answer came back, “You’re my daughter, and I delight in you.”

Those words enveloped me in love. They brought an image to mind—that of me, an adult woman, nestled in Almighty God’s strong and protective arms. Accepted simply because I belong to Him, not because of accomplishments or performance. “Daddy, Daddy,” I whispered, reveling in the sacredness of that moment.

Less than five minutes later, I entered the main meeting room. It was empty, save for one woman who approached me, Bible in hand. She greeted me with a smile and hug. Then she said, “I just had a wonderful time with my Daddy.”

My jaw dropped. “What did you say?” I asked, wanting to be sure I’d heard correctly.

“I just had a wonderful time with my Daddy—my heavenly Father.”

She didn’t need to explain. I knew exactly to whom she referred, and my heart nearly skipped a beat. Once again, God’s love enveloped me. I sensed Him inviting me to a sweeter, more intimate relationship with Him.

The day passed. The retreat ended, and I boarded a plane for home. I spent the first leg of my journey answering emails and watching the news on TV. Then I had to change planes. Guess what happened? The televisions didn’t work, and my computer battery ran out of power. I decided to pass time reading a book I’d recently purchased.

I flipped through the books randomly and stopped on page 229 for no particular reason. Once again my jaw dropped. The title on that page read, “A Daddy Who Loves Me.”

Three times in one day, God communicated His love to me in a way as never before. I’m awestruck, feeling wooed by this One who proved His love for me on the cross. And I’m filled with anticipation at how our relationship will grow as a result of what He did this weekend.

You know what? God loves you in the same way. Scripture says, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). No matter what your emotions tell you, know that He loves you unconditionally. He delights in you, and He wants an intimate relationship with you. May you discover the depth, length, width, and height of His love in new ways today!

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2068