The Power of a Father’s Blessings

Whether or not your earthly father spoke blessings over you, your heavenly Father does—and you can spread the blessings to others.

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Isaac said [to Esau], “I am now an old man and don’t know the day of my death. Now then, get your equipment—your quiver and bow—and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me. Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die.”
(Genesis 27:2–4)

Father’s Day brings with it a range of emotions. For many, it’s a time to celebrate a dad who was present, engaged, and spoke words that shaped your life. His love gave you identity, and his blessing laid a foundation you’ve been building on for many years. You may not have fully realized it, but that kind of fatherly blessing is one of the most powerful forces in shaping who we become. Conversely, the word “father” brings more pain than joy for others. Maybe your dad was absent, silent, or broken in his own way. In that silence, a vacuum formed in your heart in the longing to feel safe, accepted, and to know you mattered.

The truth is, we were created to live under the power of blessing. God designed us to thrive when love, worth, and identity are spoken into us—especially by our fathers. When those words are missing, we often try to fill the gap with success, achievement, or the approval of others. In Genesis 27, we see the deep desire for a father’s blessing play out in the story of Isaac and his sons. Jacob goes to great lengths—even deception—to receive the spoken blessing of his father. When Isaac finally gives it, it’s more than just words—it’s a declaration of identity, future, and favor. That’s the power of blessing. When it’s absent, our souls feel the ache.

If you’ve received the blessing of a father, thank God for it and don’t take it for granted. Pass it on to others. But if you’ve lived without it, remember that your heavenly Father sees you, knows you, and offers the blessing you may have missed. Through Christ, the cycle of silence or dysfunction can end. You don’t have to pass down what was passed to you. You can be a cycle-breaker. As fathers, husbands, and followers of Jesus, we must be intentional about blessing those entrusted to us such as our children, our spouses, or those we lead. Don’t wait. Your words and actions can set the direction of someone’s life.

This week, look for a moment to speak a blessing. Don’t assume your children, your spouse, or those around you know how you feel—tell them. Speak value, love, and identity into their lives. And if you're carrying a wound from a father who didn't bless you, bring that pain to Jesus. Let Him fill that space. His blessing is powerful enough to rewrite your story.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the perfect example of love, strength, and blessing. Speak Your truth into every heart today—reminding us that in You, we are seen, known, and deeply loved. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listen to the sermon: The Power of the Blessing

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Ministry Update from Mark

Yesterday was Father’s Day—a special time to honor the impact that dads and father figures have on our lives. It’s hard to believe it’s been 27 years since my dad, Robert Jobe, passed away. His life was forever changed on the day that that 18-year-old rebel surrendered to Christ at a Youth for Christ rally in Gary, Indiana—and that decision shaped the course of my life, too.

Growing up, he modeled two simple but powerful principles that continue to guide me and that I now pass on to my own adult children: love God and love people with both simplicity and sincerity.

If Father’s Day slipped by without you reaching out, it’s not too late. Take a moment to call or text the man who made a difference in your life and simply say, Thank you.