Your Greatest Role of All
JENNIE LUSKO
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“But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour.” Matthew 9:22 (NKJV)
I think my daddy issues began earlier than I realized. I had an incredible dad growing up — fun, silly, caring — and he was the one who prayed with me to accept Jesus at 8 years old.
When he walked out on my family, I had already moved out of my parents’ home and had a family of my own. I had been married for eight years and had four daughters. So I assumed his leaving wouldn’t affect me much. I felt like he didn’t leave me; he left my mom, my two brothers, and my three sisters, who still lived under their roof.
But no matter how old she is, a girl is never ready for her dad to walk away.
Eventually, I found out that it did indeed affect me. I thought even God viewed me as leaveable, as someone who could easily be walked out on without a second thought.
One day, I read Matthew 9, where Jesus healed a woman who had dealt with bleeding for 12 years, spending everything she had on cures. None of it worked. She was rejected by society, family, and friends. She was considered ceremonially unclean and not allowed in the temple. Desperate, she came to Jesus just to secretly touch His clothes, believing that could heal her.
What took my breath away was Jesus’ response: “When He saw her He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour” (Matthew 9:22).
Daughter.
I wept. I didn’t realize how I had longed to have a father-daughter relationship with my dad again. It had been 12 years since I had seen my dad face-to-face, and I felt all the built-up sadness in this one moment.
What also flooded my heart was the goodness of God to surround me with father figures who treated me like a daughter, including my father-in-law, Chip, who is now in heaven. He lovingly called me Jennifer, and I miss that.
But most of all, the loving voice of my Father in heaven captivated me that day. The One who created the heavens and the earth sees me and knows me. He tenderly calls me His daughter because that is who I am. This is the most important thing about me. And when I run into His arms, He listens, loves, and heals.
The greatest thing about me is that I am His.
And this is true about you too. Look to Jesus. You are His, and He calls you daughter. By faith, be saved, be healed, and be sent into your calling. You will find great security and strength in your greatest role of all: His daughter.
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing more of Yourself to me, Your daughter. Thank You for seeing me and for calling me. Let my response to You today be one of full, fresh, faithful surrender. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
When we are secure in who we are, it changes how we live our lives. That’s why Proverbs 31 Ministries is honored to partner with Compassion International, which exists to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name through the generosity of sponsors like you and me. It’s a beautiful opportunity to share with children all over the world that they are God’s daughters and sons.
When you sponsor a child, you ensure access to quality education, medical checkups, healthy food, clean water, and most importantly the good news of Jesus — all delivered through a church in their community. Compassion International is changing the lives of children. And that changes the lives of sponsors too.
Let’s do this together — the Proverbs 31 Ministries community changing the lives of children. Just click here to sponsor a child. When you become a sponsor, Compassion International will send you a copy of our Keep Holding On: 30 Promises From God You Can Cling to Right Now study guide as our thanks to you for investing in the life of a child.
ENGAGE
Visit jennielusko.com to find more resources that will help you cultivate your relationship with Jesus and continue to activate your calling for His glory.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Deuteronomy 31:8, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (NIV).
How have your own father or father figures helped you learn about God as your Father?
Read Matthew 9:18-26. Ask God to speak to you and to help you see yourself through His eyes. What does He want you to know about His unique love for you? Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Jennie Lusko. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
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