When my kids were very young, family hikes often turned into tests of endurance—not just for their little legs, but also for their resolve. There came moments when they’d stop, sink to the ground, and fuss, convinced they couldn’t go any further. I’d kneel beside them, speak encouragement, show them how to keep going step by step. But sometimes, words weren’t enough. I couldn’t convince them that they could do just a little bit more.
That’s when I’d scoop them up, hoist them onto my shoulders or back, and carry them to the top.
God, our Heavenly Father, does all these things for us too—if we let Him. Let’s take a few moments to explore how our Loving Dad in heaven is so much better at this than any of us could ever be.
🤝 God Encourages and Guides Us First
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God challenges Joshua to lead boldly—reminding him that He won’t be alone.
Psalm 32:8 (NIV) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” God provides direction and encouragement before the need to intervene more drastically.
💪 God Empowers Us to Do More Than We Think We Can
Philippians 4:13 (NIV) “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Paul reminds us that it’s not about our strength—it’s about God working through us.
Isaiah 40:29–31 (NIV) “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. … those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” God strengthens us so we can press on—even when we feel like we can’t.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul writes this after asking God to remove a burden. God doesn’t remove it, but instead empowers Paul to endure it.
🕊️ When All Else Fails, God Carries Us
Isaiah 40:11 paints this beautiful image of God as a shepherd:
“He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those with young.”
He cares enough to lift the weight we can’t handle, freeing us to keep going.
And through Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30 invites us into His strong arms:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Sadly, there are too many people who struggle with the idea of our heavenly Father being good because of the way they’ve experienced their earthly father.
Maybe your father failed you. Maybe he wasn’t there. Maybe he caused deep wounds. I understand how that can affect your view of God.
Maybe you can’t picture our Dad in heaven doing these things for us—encouraging us, empowering us, or carrying us—because you never had a dad who did those things for you.
But here’s the truth: the Father who holds us doesn’t change based on your history. He is perfect, loving, merciful, and never abandons us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, John 14:18). He gently corrects, never withholds, and meets us in the deepest places in our beings.
I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.
You are dearly loved by a Father who never lets you down.
Your Heavenly Father Is Bigger Than Your Circumstances
Whether your “mountain” is physical, emotional, or spiritual, God is more than big enough to carry you. He’s the Dad who never tires, never doubts, and never leaves your side—even when you can’t go on.
🎯 What Should You Do Now?
Today, ask Him: “Father, will You guide me? Help me where I am weak? Will You carry me when I need that help? ”
Reflect on the areas where you’re weary. Where do you need His help most? Looking back over your life—or even the last few years—where has God encouraged you? Empowered you? Carried you when you thought you couldn’t go on? Thank Him for those previous victories, and trust that He will come through for you again.
Share a word of encouragement with someone else who might need reminding: You don’t have to walk alone—God’s got you.
Final Thoughts
Just like my kids needed me to encourage them, empower them, and even carry them sometimes, we all need that kind of strength, support, and love when life gets heavy. Whether it’s emotional exhaustion, physical limitations, or spiritual fatigue, remember: none of us has to do this on our own.
We have each other. Even better, we have a Dad in heaven who will never let us down. You can let yourself be encouraged, empowered, and carried by the only Father who can carry you all the way.
Happy Father’s Day, to all who have tried their best to give this kind of love.
Master's Canvas - Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter 