There is ONE question that sits at the core of every man. It is the same question that has driven men across the landscape of time to act boldly and decisively. It is also the same question, that if left unanswered, brings men to their knees before the idols of this world.
You see, EVERY MAN is seeking an answer to this question:
Every man is wondering, "Do I have what it takes?"
This idea is very well developed by John Eldredge of Ransomed Heart Ministries. He discusses this desire within men in his books "Wild At Heart" and "Fathered By God." I have had my own run-ins with this question and I share them here in this video in hopes of encouraging Christians to seek how God the Father is answering this question for us.
Several years ago, I was getting ready to go on my first deployment. You would have thought that as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps I had it all together, but I have to be honest and tell you that I didn't. I was preparing to lead my men on foreign soil. I was being trained in the most feared military on Earth to do my job well and handle whatever was going to come our way.
But even in the middle of all of the tactical training, weapons training, combatant and non-combatant training, I still knew that something was off.
I asked myself this question over and over again. It lingered throughout the entirety of the deployment and no matter what I did, or accomplished it remained. It was a subtle question; one that every man asks himself, really but that I could not find an answer for.
I asked do I have what it takes?
This question is central to manhood and the walk of a boy becoming a man. Believe me, every man asks this question, some more often than others, but not all of us are aware of its persistent influence on our lives. These questions of self-worth are intricately sowed into the fabric of our humanity.
Do I have what it takes?
Men ask this question and look for answers in women. I did this for a long time, and It left me even more broken and confused.
Do I have what it takes?
Some Men ask this question and look for answers in activities. I did this with sports and work, and let me tell you, nothing I did was ever good enough and so I continued to search.
Do I have what it takes?
Other men, give up on the question altogether and turn to drugs or alcohol, but still hope they find the answer inside a bottle or as an epiphany during their next high.
Do I have what it takes?
It wasn't until I was overcome with the love of our heavenly Father that I found relief from that pursuit. No woman, no sport, no work, no job or porn video or drug could ever tell me if I was enough and if I had what it takes.
But God. My God. Your God. He has championed this walk towards true manliness for us in His son Jesus Christ. Through Him, we have access to the heartbeat of God that has pulsed with love and affection for us from the beginning of time. He told me that I am worth it, that I am enough and that I have what it takes.
This could feel uncomfortable for some of you, but that just points to how real this is. God speaks to our hearts; would you let Him speak to yours? He wants to tell you,
Son, you are enough.
Son, you are worthy.
Son, you have what it takes!
I urge you to get alone with the Father and allow Him to minister to your heart right now. Let Him show you what no one or no thing could ever prove.
You are enough.
You are worthy.
You have what it takes!
When you choose to tell your story, you get to write the ending!
Continue to march.
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