The Birthday Wish

This year, as I celebrated my birthday with my family, the candles were lit on the cake, and my kids asked me to make a wish. As I blew out the candles, I thought to myself, “I wish my kids would be obedient and do what I say.”

Later, God talked to me about that. As a father, when my children are obedient, life feels lighter. There’s peace in the home, less stress, and more joy. But their obedience isn’t just about following rules — it’s about trust and respect. It’s about knowing that the boundaries I set are for their good.

And then I thought, isn’t this exactly what God asks of us? If we were to ask God, “What’s Your wish?” wouldn’t His answer be the same?

“Be obedient to Me. Trust My Word. Do what I’ve called you to do.”

As men, we wrestle with obedience, much like our children do. We want to do things our way, follow our own plans, and set our own course. But just like a father knows what’s best for his kids, God knows what’s best for us. His boundaries, His commands, His Word — they aren’t restrictions to limit us but invitations to live fully and freely.

Obedience to God simplifies life. When we align ourselves with His Word and follow His lead, it doesn’t mean life becomes easy, but it does become purposeful. Just as our children thrive when they trust us, we thrive when we trust God. Obedience isn’t about control — it’s about relationship. It’s about saying, “God, I trust You more than I trust myself.”

And when we’re obedient, it pleases the heart of our Heavenly Father.

1 Samuel 15:22 reminds us:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

God isn’t looking for big gestures or rituals. He’s looking for a heart that says, “Yes, Lord.” A heart that chooses to follow Him, even when it’s hard.

As fathers, we catch glimpses of God’s heart in the moments we share with our kids. When they listen, trust, and follow our guidance, it brings peace and joy. But when they resist, we feel the frustration and sadness of seeing them miss out on the blessings that obedience brings. Isn’t that exactly how God feels when we go our own way?

So, the next time you find yourself asking your kids to “just listen,” take a moment to reflect. Are you modeling the same obedience to your Heavenly Father? Are you trusting His wisdom and living out the life He’s called you to?

Let’s make obedience our goal — not out of obligation but out of love. When we choose to follow God’s Word, we’re not just fulfilling His wish; we’re stepping into the life He’s designed for us. And as we do, we model for our children what it looks like to trust and obey a good, good Father.

So, if God were to blow out the candles on a birthday cake today, I think His wish for us would be simple: “Be obedient to Me. Trust that I know what’s best. Follow My Word.”

And when we do, we’ll find the peace, purpose, and joy that only come from walking in step with Him.