The Father Who Never Leaves

A tribe of early Native American Indians had a unique rite of passage for young Braves. When a young boy turned 13, after learning skills like hunting, scouting, and fishing, he was given one final test. On that special night, the boy was taken to a dense forest, blindfolded, and led miles away from his family and tribe.

For the first time, he was completely alone in the wilderness. Imagine the fear and anxiety he must have felt when he took off the blindfold and found himself surrounded by the dark, unfamiliar woods. Every little sound, every snapping twig, sent shivers down his spine. He imagined wild animals lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce. It was a long, terrifying night for that young boy.

But then, as the first rays of sunlight began to filter through the trees, something amazing happened. The darkness gave way to light, and he could see the beauty around him—the flowers, the trees, and the path ahead. And then, to his utter surprise, he noticed a figure standing just a few feet away. It was his father, armed with a bow and arrow, who had been there all night, watching over him.

How often do we find ourselves in situations where we feel alone, surrounded by darkness and uncertainty? We may be facing challenges that seem insurmountable, fears that threaten to overwhelm us, and we wonder if anyone is there to help us.

But just like that young boy who felt lost and afraid, we have a Father who never leaves our side. Our Heavenly Father is always with us, even in the darkest moments of our lives. He watches over and guards us as the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10).

And as the dawn breaks in our lives, as the light of God's love and grace shines into our hearts, we begin to see the beauty around us. The darkness starts to fade, and the fears that once held us captive lose their power. We realize that our fears were unfounded because God was there all along, guiding us, protecting us, and loving us.