MY FATHER PLANNED IT ALL

First, let me wish all of you father's a very happy Father's Day. And if you are fortunate enough that your father is still alive and you haven't shared that wish with your father, quit reading this blog right now and do it before you forget. Oh how I wish that I could still talk to my father today. As some of you know, I had a very special father. He loved and served the Lord faithfully and was a real positive role model to me. He survived the years following the depression and World War II by working numerous jobs and spending many hours supporting us. He loved mother and he loved us. He was educated and taught high school and college math and physics, served for 25 years as an engineer with RCA, and then served as facilities manager for a large hospital. But as intelligent and organized as dad was, he couldn't plan for everything. He really couldn't plan for the unexpected elimination of his job after 25 years of loyal service. And he certainly couldn't plan for an unexpected auto accident that took mother home at the age of 72. And he couldn't plan for years of living alone without her. But he never complained. He was able to show us how to trust and serve the Lord when those unexpected challenges developed. His real father died when dad was only two and he was raised by a godly stepfather who also influenced my life. But he and I both have a heavenly father who could plan for our future. He could do that because He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. In fact this Father is the creator of the universe who also loves us and guides us through a future that we don't know. So if you weren't fortunate enough to have a godly earthly father, you can know a father who is perfect - one who knows and controls the future, one who loves you, one who is always there and one who will never fail you or leave you. And today you should thank and praise Him too. This father is the theme of this week's hymn which was written by H. H. Pierson and Alfred B. Smith. As you read these words today, stop and thank the Lord for being the perfect Father and for loving you.

What though the way be lonely, and dark the shadows fall,

I know wher'er it leadeth, My Father planned it all.

I sing through the shade and the sunshine,

I'll trust Him whatever befall;

I sing for I cannot be silent, My Father planned it all.

There may be sunshine tomorrow, Shadows may break and flee,

Twill be the way He chooses, My Father's plan for me.

I sing through the shade and the sunshine,

I'll trust Him whatever befall;

I sing for I cannot be silent, My Father planned it all.

He guides my fal'tring footsteps, Along the weary way;

For well he knows the pathway, Will lead to endless day.

I sing through the shade and the sunshine,

I'll trust Him whatever befall;

I sing for I cannot be silent, My Father planned it all.

A day of light and gladness, On which no shade will fall;

Tis this at last awaits me , My Father planned it all….

I sing through the shade and the sunshine,

I'll trust Him whatever befall;

I sing for I cannot be silent, My Father planned it all."

Listen to it here. LISTEN