At times, we may see God like some fathers here on earth— harsh, angry, permissive, or distant, but this distorted view is a goal of the enemy. He tries to pervert everything good that God is— including the image of father. Yet, in reality, God assuredly is the perfect Father we all are looking for— we know that His love endures forever. He wants to heal you in your hurt, and He can handle anything and everything you bring to Him. Whatever your relationship is with your earthly father, this Father’s Day remember you have the perfect love of a heavenly Father.

What is a Christian to do when faced with disappointment, disaster, and despair? Scripture teaches us that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Yet when we encounter difficulties, we often wonder, Why? Searching for answers and learning to view “bad things” as “good things in disguise” are disciplines that God wants His children to develop as they mature spiritually. (See I Corinthians 2:14 and Romans 8:1–17.)

The Parable might seem confusing at first, but it contains poignant life lessons for every Christian.

In the parable, a rich man gives his servants coins (or the equivalent in gold, depending on which version of the Bible you’re reading) to manage during the man’s absence. Each servant is given a different amount, according to their ability.

Those who had been given three and five doubled their amount. The rich man was pleased with their faithfulness and promised to entrust them with more. The man who was given one hid his out of fear. The rich man reprimanded him and gave his portion to the one who had gained the most.

The story is a wonderful example of how we are called to use God’s gifts for His glory and a sobering reminder of God’s expectations of His children.