Simon’s mother was 18 when she fell in love with a man who showered her with the affection she lacked at home. Their romantic tryst was short-lived, however, and he quickly returned to his wife and family when he discovered that she was pregnant.

Simon grew up not knowing his father. During a visit to church with his uncle, however, he gave his life to Christ and for the first time experienced the love of God the Father. Today, Simon is married, has two children, and—with the help of godly mentors—is daily growing in his walk with Jesus.

The neglect of a mother, absence of a father, or abuse of a caregiver doesn’t have to define you or your future destiny. In Christ, you have a hope and a future. In 2 Chronicles 34:1-2, we read that King Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his ancestor David. Josiah’s father was Amon, who had done evil in God’s eyes (2 Chronicles 33:22-23).

This shows that our future doesn’t have to be determined by family members or authority figures who have treated us wrongly. In Christ, we become a new creation—the old life is gone (2 Corinthians 5:17). Josiah chose not to continue in the evil ways of his father. Instead, he laid claim to his lineage in King David, a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; 2 Samuel 7:13-16). Josiah walked in obedience to the one true God all his days (2 Chronicles 34:33).

In Christ, we’re children of God and can lay claim to a heavenly inheritance and lineage (Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:18; 1 Peter 1:4). We’re anchored by our faith in a perfect Father—a divine lineage! (Hebrews 6:19).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 14:1-14