My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4 NKJ
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.
John 13:1-4
In this passage, Jesus was at the apex of His earthly ministry, approaching the final countdown. In this moment, he knew the great price He was about to pay, the genuine sacrifice He was about to make. Yet Jesus still thought to serve, washing the disciples’ feet, teaching and training them in those last hours.
Before greatness takes place, we are required to serve and put others first. Humility precedes greatness. Our greatest example as men is the Son of God. What a man’s man!
This reminded me of something that happened in our family years ago. My parents, brothers, and I were traveling with another family on vacation. During the night drive, the unthinkable happened. I was startled from sleep in the back seat to find our van was airborne. I’m talking Dukes of Hazard style! (To be honest, we are blessed to still be alive.)
When the van landed back on the ground, the boat in tow sliced through the back of the vehicle. When we came to a crashing halt, the driver looked back at his passengers (most of us were knocked out or motionless in complete shock), and he thought everyone was dead. Panicked, the driver jumped out of the van and began running down the highway, crying, thinking he just killed both his family and ours.
Here’s the significant part of the story, the part I’ll never forget. My father realized what was happening and went running down the highway after the driver. He was able to calm him down and walk him back to the van. Then he prayed for each one of us, making sure everyone was taken care of as the ambulances arrived. My dad was the last one in an ambulance, last one to let the paramedics look at him, and yet ended up being the most injured of anyone (pretty banged up plus a broken scapula). The thing was, no one had a clue at the time except my father.
Similarly, those disciples didn’t have a clue; they had no concept of what was ahead for Jesus or the inward anguish He was feeling. Only Jesus knew exactly what was going on. Yet He didn’t make the disciples feel bad about what was about to happen to Him. He didn’t lay a guilt trip on them regarding God’s plan. More than just “sucking it up,” He was serving those He loved, empowering them for what was ahead.
We need to empower those around us regardless of what’s being required of us by the Father. That means doing so both during our moments of sacrifice and our moments of success.
Men, we need to be real men. This modern day “softie” thing is not what we were designed for. As men, we need to be able to take pain and not show it. To do what is right in the moment, regardless. To have a tough hide and a soft heart.
Married men: When you get home at night, don’t make the wife and kids feel sorry for you about your work day. You’ve been called to be a provider (both when it’s a joy and a challenge). Gain vision, strength, and energy from your Heavenly Father so you can effectively lead your home. It’s your first job to serve and empower your family. (Don’t get me wrong; it’s not wrong to honestly admit to your wife it was a tough day. Just don’t whine about it the rest of the night and guilt her for what God’s requiring of you.)
Single men: When you’re tired, lonely, or running ragged, don’t feel sorry for yourself. (I know I’ve been there!) Get to your knees and gain what you need from your Source (God Himself). Then get up in His strength and empower those around you.
Be the man with the most energy at the office.
Be the man who helps those in need.
Be the man who’s not afraid to put others’ needs, problems, dreams, etc. on his docket while working to address/achieve his own.
While you’re on life’s journey, commit to empower others along the way. Then you’ll be like Jesus, the One we admire most!
Stay strong,
Eric Shawn Raftery
Recently, I’ve been re-reading a classic, Where the Red Fern Grows. If you haven’t read it, this great novel is about a boy and his love for his dogs. In the story, there’s a pretty cool moment. This young boy makes a promise to his dogs (who have chased a raccoon up a tree) that he will chop the tree down so they can catch it. However, this tree happens to be huge, the largest tree in the area.
(Have we made promises to our family, spouse, or friends that we’re committed to fulfill, no matter what the cost?)
This young man chops away at that tree for a whole day and night, yet still has two more days of chopping to go. He continues, however, since he’s made a promise. Spoiler alert: During the second day of chopping, the blisters on his hands burst. He tries to drop his ax, but it’s still stuck to the open flesh on his hands. He falls to his knees, crying and apologizing to his dogs. Then he prays to God. Suddenly, a breeze comes out of nowhere. In fact, no other trees move except that giant one. The tree falls, the dogs get the raccoon, and on they all go to the next adventure.
How does this relate to us as men? I think there are times when we wait much too long for prayer and the Father’s help. We wait until we’re at the end, blistered hands and broken spirits, struggling and very susceptible to rash decisions. As men, we need to stay connected to the One who gives us strength and answers through His presence, His Word, and the godly counsel of others.
I encourage you to let God help you with the obstacles in your life. Don’t wait until things get desperate to ask for His help. He wants to participate in the beginning, middle, and end of our adventures. Who knows? When you give Him the lead and control, He might even blow those obstacles down by His power, before the blisters on your hands have to burst!
For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? 32 It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.33 He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places. Psalm 18:31-33
Stay Strong,
Eric Shawn Raftery
Psalm for the day:
I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Ps 62:1-2
When the problems you’re currently facing seem to be the loudest voice, quiet yourself and listen closely to the only Voice that can actually direct you to your answer. Let the squeaky wheel lock up as you focus where you really need to…Silence is golden—you’ll actually hear the Lord!
Stay strong,
Eric Shawn Raftery
Proverb for the day:
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Prov. 27:17
Give the people in your inner circle permission to speak honestly with you. It’s not the “yes men” who keep you sharp, but close friends who don’t put up with your excuses.
Stay strong,
Eric Shawn Raftery
Proverb for the day:
Trusting a fool to convey a message is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison! A proverb in the mouth of a fool is as useless as a paralyzed leg. 8 Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot. Prov. 26:6
Be careful whom you let speak for you or whom you allow to speak into your life. Just because someone has an opinion doesn’t reserve them the right to speak it to you. The problem is fools aren’t discerning enough to know they are one. That’s where good judgment comes in.
Stay strong,
Eric Shawn Raftery
Proverb for the Day:
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Prov. 24:10
You don’t really know your courage/strength until you’re under fire. Being
under pressure ensures one thing—what you’re made of will be squeezed out.
(When Jesus was under great pressure, He moved forward in trust and
obedience. What would be said of us?)
Stay strong,
Eric Shawn Raftery
Proverb for the day:
People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD. Prov. 19:3
So true! We often take credit for our accomplishments and then blame God for our setbacks. Let’s be determined to fess up to any bad choices and give credit when (and where) it’s due.
Stay strong,
Eric Shawn Raftery
Proverb for the day:
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. Prov. 18:10
When stress hits, what’s the first thing you run to?
· other people’s advice
· zoning out in front of the TV
· a stiff drink
· food
· a hobby
Running to His Word and communicating with Him leads you to a fortress. When you are safe, you are at peace. When you’re at peace, you choke out stress.
Stay Strong,
Eric Shawn Raftery