April 5 Bible Reading Plan

I’m not going anywhere. I’m like the stink on your feet, I’ll always be around.

-Bedtime Stories

I love this quote! In the movie Bedtime Stories, Adam Sandler is tasked with watching his niece and nephew for a week while their mom is out of town looking for a job. While he watches them, he makes up a bedtime story to tell them every night.

Throughout the movie, we see him become closer and more attached to his niece and nephew.

One night, his niece, whose father had recently deserted them, asked if her uncle thought her dad would ever come back. What a heartbreaking question. He answered her that they would always have their mother, and then he added, "I'm not going anywhere. I'm like the stink on your feet; I'll always be around." (1)

What an amazing line! It's humorous but clearly communicates that he will always be there for them. He won't abandon them; he will always support and stand by them.

So many today know what it's like to be abandoned. Fatherlessness is a massive problem in the world. According to the 2022 U.S. Census, approximately 18.3 million children live without a father in the home, comprising about one out of four U.S. children. (2)

Many who grew up without a father and have known the pain of abandonment really struggle with seeing God as their Father. They expect God, like their earthly dad, will leave them. He won't be there for them. He will abandon them and leave them high and dry.

They are ok with seeing God as their Lord. They know they need Him as their Savior. But Father, heck no!

As men of God, we must realize that God will never abandon us. He is with us every minute of every day. We have His word that He will never leave us or forsake us. He will always be there for us.

Hebrews 13:5-6 clearly says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" (ESV)

God will always be there for you, no matter what your earthly father did. He will never leave you or forsake you. He will always be around.

An unbreakable man knows that he can rely on God. God has your back.

Just as Adam Sandler's character reassured his niece and nephew that he would always be there for them, it is comforting to know that we have a heavenly Father who will never leave us.

Despite any past experiences, we can find comfort in God's unchanging love and support. His presence in our lives is constant, providing us with the strength and assurance we need to navigate life's challenges. Like the stink on our feet, God will always be around, ready to guide, comfort, and support us.

Bibliography:

1. Bedtime Stories. Directed by Adam Shankman , performances by Adam Sandler , et al., Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2008.

2. Brewer , Jack . "Issue Brief: Fatherlessness and It's Effects On American Society."   America First Policy, 15 May 2023, https://americafirstpolicy.com/assets/uploads/files/Issue_Breif_-_Fatherlessness_and_its_effects_on_American_society.pdf