What is one of the most serious issues in our culture?  I believe it’s fatherlessness.  Want to make an unmeasurable difference with your limited days?  BE A DAD!  Being a Dad is well, hard.  I’m not complaining, that is just a reality.  So many men bail on being a dad for a variety of reasons, but I am here to tell you it is worth it.  There is nothing quite like loving, caring for, and raising kids to understand what is most important in life.  But let me reiterate, it ISN’T EASY!  To put it bluntly, if you are going to excel at being a dad you are going to have to develop one SIMPLE THING… COURAGE.

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”  Psalm 103:13

So what does it take to be a courageous father?  Courage is the art of dependance on God.  The writer of the ancient scripture above states that God is like our father and he shows compassion.  God is a compassionate God and we are to depend on God for EVERYTHING.  Why don’t we have more courage as fathers?  It takes courage to make tough decisions, to stay faithful to one wife for a whole lifetime, to love unconditionally,  to set an example for our children.  Courage is necessary and here is what stands in the way.

What A Courageous Father Must Overcome…

1 – Danger – As dads, so many things threaten our family: garbage content from the media, habits of the world, music that creates crippling mantras, addiction that destroys, friends that use them, and worst of all, the battle for a healthy mind.  For example, suicide is one of the leading causes of death among our children.  We must stand up for them, teach them, discipline, pray and fight for them in every way possible.

“Hear, O sons, a father‘s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight.”  Proverbs 4:1

2 – Distractions – What have you mis-prioritized in your life as a dad?  Does work too often take precedent over time with your children?  Are you too busy saying no and pursuing your own preferences rather than teaching and investing time in your children?  Do you take time and listen, play with and just be with your children?  Have you placed God at the center of your life and are you teaching your children to depend on God?

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”  Joshua 24:15

3 – Disappointments –  Life is full of letdowns, but we must stand up as dads and fight through all the times when we have felt like we got dealt a raw deal.  Maybe it was your dad who failed you?  Be the Dad that you wanted growing up!

“…For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”  1 Timothy 4:8

4- Devastation – For some of us it takes courage just to wake up every morning.  We have battled abandonment, addiction, disease, divorce, depression, death of a son or daughter…The list goes on and on.  The good news is, this is why the church exists. This is why Jesus came and set an example for us.  Only He can turn your devastation into meaningful direction.  What is the secret?  Dependence.  When your dependance is unshakable your courage is undeniable.  No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, #Takeheart.

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

What else?  What is one way you need to be courageous as a Dad for your family?  I’m choosing #courage fighting for these 7 that God has blessed me with…

Josh

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here.