I'm Tellin' Daddy

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Romans 12:19

As the youngest of three children, it is difficult to recount the number of times the words, "I'm tellin' Momma" or "I'm tellin' Daddy" came from my lips.  In my childhood home, "I'm tellin' Daddy" was a powerful pronouncement because of our father's character.  He was strong, loving, discerning, fair, and had not one passive bone in his body.  If anyone did me wrong, I was quick to call for him—knowing, too, that the wool would not be pulled over his eyes.

Once, in the middle of the night, I heard what sounded like someone running back-and-forth outside my bedroom window.  Immediately, I ran to wake Daddy and tell him what I heard.  He jumped out of bed, turning the porch light on, and opened the front door.  The would-be burglar ran away so quickly that he left gloves and tools behind, and left the hood of Daddy's car raised in the carport.  Daddy checked on me every hour to make sure I was safe—patrolling the perimeter of the house for the rest of the night.

The years have passed, my own children have been born and raised, and now God has received Daddy home.  Yet, the pronouncement that "I'm tellin' Daddy" has grown ever sweeter.  You see, I've come to know that my Heavenly Father is even stronger and more loving and discerning than any human could ever be.  He is better than fair, too.  He is just.

And, He is never passive.

2 Peter 3:9 tells us, "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."

There are times when the wrongs against us are so egregious that our hearts cry out for justice.  The wrong demands it.

Proverbs 21:15 says, "Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers."

Make no mistake about it.  God will answer.  He will answer at the perfect time and in the most perfect way.

That gives me real joy.

I'm tellin' Daddy.

Goodnight, Runners.