Manly endurance made possible through God's word

I met a man the other day who told me that he had been out of work for over 10 months. As we talked he discussed how difficult it has been for his family and that he and his wife were trying to decide which set of parents to move in with. I could tell just by his demeanor that life for the past 10 months has really beaten him up. My heart really broke for him.

For most men, not being able to put food on the table and a roof over your family’s head is just about the worst blow one can take. Providing for our families is what defines us as people. Being the provider is what we are proud of; it’s what builds our confidence. It’s just simply what we do as men and for us to lose control over that area of our lives is almost as if we lost part of our lives all together.

Truthfully, I believe that God allows us to go through seasons like these so that we can reset our focus on what should really give us the ability to endure such difficult times. Scripture says, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

It’s not hard to get discouraged these days. I know so many people who are facing some of the toughest times in their lives. I know so many men who are just really struggling.

In our difficult times, men, let’s not forget where our encouragement and hope comes from. It comes from the Lord. And we will never know how much he can encourage us unless we know what he told us.

I challenge every man who is just struggling with life to pick up God’s word and begin to find the hope and encouragement that lies inside. I promise you will never be disappointed. It’s written for our benefit.

Zac Elliot is the pastor of Fusion Church, http://www.myfusionchurch.com.

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