Today, my heart overflows with gratitude as I celebrate the 11th birthday of my beloved son, Joshua Zekariah. What a joy and privilege it has been to watch him grow, not only in stature but in character, wisdom, and faith. As a father, I can only marvel at the gift that God has entrusted to me—a son whose life is a daily reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
A Journey of Joy and Grace
Eleven years ago, God blessed our family with Joshua, whose name means “God is salvation.” From the very beginning, his name has been a testimony to our prayer that his life would point to the saving grace of Christ. These past years have been filled with countless moments of laughter, growth, and learning—not just for him, but for me as well. Being his father has taught me lessons in patience, humility, and unconditional love.
Watching Him Grow in Faith
One of the greatest joys of my life has been seeing Joshua’s growing love for the Lord. At such a young age, he has shown a hunger for God’s Word, a desire to know more about Him, and a heart tender toward the things of God. Watching him ask questions about the Bible, pray with sincerity, and show kindness to others fills me with hope for the man he is becoming.
As a family, we’ve made it a priority to nurture his faith, to teach him sound theology, and to help him understand the greatness of the God we serve. One of my prayers for him is that he would not only know about God but truly know God—that he would walk with Him all the days of his life.
My Prayer for Joshua
Joshua, if you’re reading this, here’s what I pray for you on this special day:
I pray that you would grow in wisdom and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). I pray that your faith would deepen and that your love for Christ would shine brighter with each passing year. I pray that you would stand firm in a world that often compromises, holding fast to the truth of God’s Word. And I pray that no matter what challenges or joys life may bring, you would always remember that you are deeply loved—by your family and, most importantly, by the God who created you.
A Reflection for All Parents
As I reflect on Joshua’s birthday, I am reminded of the immense responsibility and privilege we have as parents. Psalm 127:3 reminds us that “children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Raising a child is a stewardship, a calling to guide them in the way of the Lord, to pray for them, and to lead by example. Every moment, whether big or small, is an opportunity to point them to Christ.
A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness
Today is not just a celebration of Joshua’s life; it’s a celebration of God’s faithfulness. He has carried us through trials and blessed us with joys beyond measure. Even as we face an uncertain future, I am confident in this: the God who began a good work in Joshua will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).
Happy birthday, Joshua. You are a precious gift, and I am so proud to be your father. Here’s to another year of growing in grace, learning, and walking with the Lord. May your life always be a reflection of His glory and love.
With all my love,
Daddy