Do you know what your designed purpose is in this world?

A big part of answering this question is understanding how you have been uniquely wired. When you know how you are wired, you discover what you were made to do.

Each of us is unique and uniquely made to have an impact on this world. The sooner you understand how you are made, the sooner you will start living in the sweet spot of your unique design.

Discovering our Designed Purpose

In discovering our design, we gain purpose in life. Purpose is fuel to men. It is like gas on the fire of our souls. The more we do the things we were designed to do, the more that fire burns. The more the fire burns, the more significant the impact we will have.

Knowing our design enables us to focus on playing to our strengths. Playing to our strengths will consistently produce tangible results. The goal is to do more things that align with our designed purpose.
Aligning with our strengths does not mean we ignore other areas of our lives. We are still responsible for getting things done, whether they are in our sweet spot or not. However, if we want to maximize our impact in this life, it is essential to operate in our sweet spot as often as possible. My experience has been that living in this “sweet spot” maximizes results and brings greater meaning to life.

The approach I share is a simple one. It has proven to be effective in my experience. I have used it to discover my unique design and to help others discover theirs. It has been an effective tool in developing career and life paths for others. It can be effective in guiding individuals or as a tool in developing teams. I think the simplicity of it makes it useful.

In this article, I will share the assessments I have utilized to help individuals discover their design. It is important to think of the results from these tools as starting points. They simply point us in the right direction. I caution people not to pigeon hole themselves into every point made on a report. At the same time, I would not merely disregard something believing it does not apply. You need to vet it out. Otherwise, you could cause personal blind spots. The world is full of ineffective people blinded to their weaknesses. Do not be that guy!

Reviewing Results: Recommendation #1:

1 – When you receive results from an assessment, ask the opinions of those closest to you. Ask them to review the reports and confirm what applies to you and what does not. If they can provide examples of how they see the various characteristics in you, this is best.

Pick a few people from different aspects of your life. For example, you could choose your spouse, a coworker who knows you well, and someone you serve alongside in your church or community organization. Make sure you pick someone that will be honest with you. Make it clear that you want both the good and the bad.

Keep in mind, you set the stage for good feedback. If you are sincere and open to both good and bad, what you receive will be valuable.

Reviewing Results: Recommendation #2:

2 – Once you zero in on possible strengths revealed from the assessments and feedback put yourself in positions to test them. Look for opportunities to utilize the various aspects of your personality, strengths, and gifts. In doing this, you will prove them out.

Observe the responses of those around you. The impact you have on others will reveal what is right about the results and what is not.

I caution you, though. Do this several times. Sometimes you may struggle at first because you are doing something you have not done before. In this case, your initial ineffectiveness may be more about a lack of experience than a lack of strength in the specific area.

The key concept here is that assessments are only starting points. They point you in a direction and begin the process of narrowing your focus. You must take the information and do the work to confirm what is you and what is not.

Personality by Design

I have found this specific website, 16 Personalities, to be helpful. It utilizes the Myers Briggs personality test. Myers Briggs admittedly has some flaws, but this site has worked well in my experience. It is especially helpful because of the different insights it provides. Again, it is crucial to keep in mind that assessments are just a starting point to begin down the path of self-discovery.

This specific tool gives insight into several things, including Strengths and Weaknesses, Romantic Relationships, Friendships, Parenthood, Career Paths, and Workplace Habits. It also helps you understand how strong you are in each category. In other words, on a scale of 0% to 100%, how strong is the given characteristic in your personality. This measurement gives you further insight into the uniqueness of your personality.

For me, my personality profile is an ENTJ-A. The E is an extravert, and in my case, I land right around 70%-80% every time I take the assessment. So I have strong tendencies and comfort in engaging with others. Each category is rated this way and helps in understanding that not all personality types are the same. There are differences that make each of us unique.

So test your results by doing and getting feedback. Things that do not align throw out and move on. Things that align use in understanding your strengths and weaknesses. Start building your vision of how you can maximize your impact in this world.

Strengths by Design

I have used StrengthsFinder 2.0 for this. I have used it many times over the years. The responses to this book and the associated assessment and report have always been positive. You can purchase a copy of the book which includes a code to take the assessment by clicking on StrengthsFinder 2.0 from my Book Recommendations in the main menu of my blog.

Playing to strengths is something we should be doing as often as possible. This applies to individuals and in developing teams. Typically the things we are strong at are also the things we love to do. When we focus on making a strength even stronger then we become a superstar.

With that said, the areas identified as weaknesses will need to be addressed if they are essential to our role. They need to be at a “meets expectations” level. But if you can create a team around you that is strong in your weak areas this enables you to concentrate on zeroing in on your strengths. It has been my experience that you will have a much greater impact if this is the case.

I am a strong believer that you should spend the majority of your time developing your strengths and just enough time on your weaknesses to ensure they do not wreck your ship or derail your train. This has been an approach of mine for years and it has produced consistent results.

For me my top five strengths are Futuristic, Strategic, Learner, Achiever, Maximizer. This coupled with the results of the personality starts to paint a strong picture of how I am wired for impact. When you dial in on your sweet spot your results and sense of fulfillment will increase. You will find yourself wanting more.

Gifts by Design

For those that are Christians as I am there is one more assessment tool I will add to these two. This also has helped me understand how I am wired and where I can have the most impact in this world.

One of the things God does for those that believe is He sends His Spirit to reside in us. With the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, he gives gifts to help carry out His mission here on earth. He saves us with the purpose of furthering His mission of expressing the good news about salvation in Jesus Christ. To do this He gives gifts to believers. No one person has all the gifts that are available. This is why it is important to work together with other believers. Together we bring all the gifts to bear in sharing the person of Jesus Christ with the world and maximize our impact.

There are several places in the Bible where gifts are described. Three key passages are found in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. I recommend reading these passages to get the full context and teaching regarding gifts and their function within the church.

There are many assessments out there to determine your spiritual gifts. This is a free one that I have used and has worked well for me. Team Ministry: Gifted to Serve.

Again I would say use the assessments as a way to point you in the right direction. Then get feedback from those around you and put yourself in positions to use the gifts you think you have. Observe the responses you get from those around you. For example, if your assessment indicates you are gifted as a teacher and begin teaching, it stands to reason that people should be learning. If this is not happening, you have reason to question whether it is true or not.

If God supernaturally empowered you with a gift then it will supernaturally impact others when it is exercised. For example if your gift is mercy and you come alongside someone that is hurting they will be encouraged and feel their load lightened by spending time with you.

My spiritual gifts always land in these areas – Administration/Leadership and Teaching. I believe this is what God has called me to do within the church. Lead and Teach. I especially sense a call to lead and teach men. As a result, I have led men’s ministries and taught Bible studies specific to men over the years.

Other Considerations

Other considerations to determining your purpose and direction in life include passions, experiences, skills, and abilities you have developed over the years. I especially focus on passions. Ask yourself what you are passionate about? What could you talk about for hours on end? What gets the wheels turning for you and stokes the fire in your heart? A few of my passions are leading men and outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing.

It is also worth taking the time to list all the training, school, skills, abilities, and experiences you have had up to this point in your life. This could include things like technical skills, playing a musical instrument, hard times that have impacted your life, etc. Develop this list with your passions and line them up next to your personality, strengths, and gifts you have vetted. This will give you a great picture of your unique design and a beginning point in developing your purpose in life.

Living in the Sweet Spot of Your Unique Design

For me, I am an ENTJ-A (Commander) with the following strengths: Futuristic, Strategic, Maximizer, Learner, Achiever, and spiritually gifted in Administration/Leadership and Teaching. My passions are for the rugged side of life. I love being a man that is rough around the edges. I enjoy things like battling the elements, the challenges of hunting and fishing, being bold and courageous, and pushing limits. These things make me feel alive. So, these are the things I gravitate to in life. I’ve also fought some tough personal battles that help me relate especially well to other men.

Over the years I have been purposeful about putting myself in positions that exploit my designed personality, strengths, gifts, and passions. The way that has played out in my life is a career leading men in the steel industry, teaching and leading within the church with a strong emphasis on leading and teaching men. The combination of my personality, strengths, gifts and passions produce a strong desire that pushes me to lead and coach men to win and be successful in life. This is the drive behind Men of Grit.

Knowing my personality, strengths and gifts has helped me evaluate choices and opportunities in life. It has helped me make decisions. It has given me confidence. I know where I bring the most value. I know what I was made to do.

So what about you? What is your unique design? Dig in and discover your personality, strengths, and gifts (Christians). Write down the things you are passionate about along with skills, abilities, and experiences. Inquire of people around you to confirm what hits the mark and what does not. Put yourself in positions to prove it out. Then start to think through how you can play to your strengths. Begin today to move down the road of living your life in the sweet spot of your unique design.

Do you want to communicate more about this subject? Reach out to me. I would enjoy helping you on your journey. Contact me via email or DM me on Twitter @Men_of_Grit.

If you have comments, questions, or feedback, put them in the comments section below. I am always interested in hearing from you.

In your corner,

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

More from Men of Grit:

What value is there in knowing your destiny is guaranteed and will be better than your best day in this life? Read: The Powerful Impact of a Man that Knows His Destiny

Are there times to be selfish as a leader? Read: When Leaders Need to be “Selfish” to be Strong

How many times have you experienced frustration in making lasting changes in your life? Read: Tremendous Advantages of Connecting with High-Value Brothers

What is one thing you can do today that will dramatically increase your ability to lead and influence? Read: An Easy Way to Improve Your Ability to Lead and Influence

What value is there in knowing your destiny is guaranteed and will be better than your best day in this life?

I know where I will end up after I have breathed my last breath on earth. When my lungs collapse for the last time, I will no longer be present in this body. I will be with my God. I will be absent from this body, and present with the Lord. There is great value in knowing this.

Journey to Knowing My Destiny

A Memory

I am fortunate to have a memory from my younger days that has helped me develop a strong faith. God used this memory to draw me to Him years ago.

Before my teen years, my grandfather heard these words, “Bill, you have cancer, and the prognosis is not good.” Shortly after hearing this, he shared this news with our family. As tears flowed from those who loved him, he said these words. “Do not cry for me. I know where I am going. I will be with my Lord. It will be better than anything this world has to offer. If anyone should be crying, it should be me because you guys have to stay here.”

God etched this scene and those words into my mind and on my heart. I will never forget my grandfather in those days as he stood face to face with death. God’s strength was evident in him, and it made a deep impression on me. I was twelve years old when he died.

Years later, I went through difficult times. I was twenty-five years old. It was at this time the memory of my grandfather consumed my thoughts. He was a great man. Boldly, yet graciously he followed Christ with all his heart. Everyone wanted to be around him. He had this great sense of humor. He was a big influence in my love for trout fishing and the outdoors that continues today. I think about him often.

While I was going through tough times, I remembered how he never complained during his last days. He remained faithful and strong in spirit as his body shut down, and he faced imminent death. I have one distinct memory sitting next to him at breakfast. While eating cereal, I watched him stop in mid-stride as if his body was sputtering on its last bit of energy. I remember thinking, “My Pap-pap is dying before my eyes.” It was hard to watch.

But my grandfather knew where he was going. He understood that the pain and suffering he was enduring was temporary. He knew these words.

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

It was incredible to watch him in those months leading up to his death. When in the hospital, he would joke with the nurses and everyone around him. He had a personality and spirit that drew people to him. Years later, my grandmother shared with me; there was only one time he came close to complaining. One night he was in so much pain he said he wished the Lord would take him home. That was the closest he came to a complaint. He knew Christ was the answer to this life and the next. I knew that about him. I saw him read his Bible. I heard him talk about Jesus in day to day conversation.

A Decision

One day at 25 years old, I went into a Christian bookstore and bought a Life Application Bible. I am not sure how I knew what to buy, but that’s what I did. I took it home and began reading it. Over the next few weeks, I read the entire thing. I don’t know how to say it other than the words in that Book came alive to me. As I read, it became like a personal message explicitly written to me.

Because I spent time in church, and my mom shared what the Bible says about salvation in Jesus, I knew the basics.

I became very aware that I had done wrong in the eyes of God. The fear of God came over me. I was confident that if I died, I was going to hell. I earned that many times over. Later I learned that everyone is in that boat. (All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23) You don’t have to be this great sinner. One sin and we fall short of God’s glory, His perfection. But Christ died for those sins. He took my place on the cross. I knew this was the answer.

It was during this time in my life that I prayed God would guide me into saving faith and into a relationship with Christ. I prayed that His death would be the full payment for my penalty. I prayed God would accept me not based on my actions but on the actions and merit of Jesus Christ.

A Solid Foundation

Today, I know I am accepted by Almighty God. He is the most powerful force that exists. He accepts me through faith in the finished work of Christ. Nothing can change this. No one will remove me from His hand. Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:28-29)

Nothing in all creation will separate me from the love of God. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

It is powerful to live knowing that no matter what life brings, this will never change. There is freedom in knowing your destiny. I have no concern about where my journey in this life will end. I know there is a connection between where I am today and where I will be in the future. I know, like my grandfather knew, that where I am going will be far greater than the best experiences this life has to offer. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Results of Knowing My Destiny

Being ready to die prepares you to live.

I know my future. It stands on a solid foundation. Knowing my future makes a powerful difference in the way I live today.

No Fear of Death

Because God has written my end in stone, I am free to be bold in the face of certain death. We all die. We must face this fact. I have, and I am ready for that day. I do not fear death. I have seen the strength of the faithful on their death bed. There is no fear in them.

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

Always Accepted

I know my destiny is in the hands of God, so I do not worry about being accepted by others. God accepts me. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) Being accepted by Him enables me to live without concern for other’s opinions. I do not need acceptance to feel good about myself. God has already accepted me. There is great power in this.

Validation

I can be who God designed me to be. I do not need validation from others. I am in Christ. In Christ, I have all the validation I need. Ephesians, a book in the Bible, speaks of who I am due to this relationship. It has been one of my favorite books. Interestingly it was also one of my grandfather’s favorites.

Free to Fight and Take Risk

I am free to take risks. Too often, men are afraid to lose. This fear prevents them from taking action. I do not fear losing battles in this life. I know that in the end, through Christ, I have already won the war. So I am free to fight battles here and now and fight them hard. I am free to lead and make the decisions I should make. Fear does not hinder me from taking action.

Life with Purpose

I have a purpose tied to my final destination. My God created me for a purpose, saved me to a mission, and holds my destiny in His hands. In the end, I strive to hear these words. “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Having a purpose is a powerful driver in the life of a man.

Forgiven and Moving Forward to Live

God has forgiven me. I can now drop the baggage of the past and move on to live. “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) Forgiveness enables me to move forward and truly live. Forgiveness opens the door to enjoy life fully. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Strength in Going Alone

As a leader, I face many decisions that can make a man feel alone on an island. But I am comfortable being “alone” because my reality is I am never truly alone. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

God is always with me and will never leave me. Because of this, I am okay with walking “alone.” In walking alone, I find greater strength because I am reliant upon Him.

Hope

I always have hope. Where I will end up will be far greater than the most incredible experiences this life has to offer. I have days ahead that will be my best days. There is no doubt about that. I always have something to look forward to in the future. Having this hope can keep a man moving forward in the worst of times. I’ve seen this.

Stability in Storms

I have stability in life. Building my house on the rock, I have strength in the storms of life. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

God is my rock. “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” (Psalm 62:2) Nothing will ever shake me from this firm foundation. I am stable in Him. In the world we live in, stability is a valuable thing.

Life brings storms. But I know the One that brings peace in storms. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

30 Days to Knowing Your Destiny

What about you? Do you know your destiny? Are you ready for death? Being ready can have a powerful impact on life.

In addition to my grandfather, I had a wise great uncle. Uncle Paul was a WWII veteran. He fought in the Philippines and France and had a piece of shrapnel in his shin as a result. He came home, went to Philadelphia College of the Bible, and became a pastor. At twenty-five, I talked to Uncle Paul about my faith. He told me the best way to know God saved me was to read the Bible and allow God to confirm this in my spirit. He recommended I read through the book of 1 John. John wrote this book for this reason. “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

1 John is a short book. It is only five chapters long. Uncle Paul suggested I read one chapter a day and continue reading a chapter a day for 30 days straight. See the example below.

• Day 1 – Read 1 John chapter 1
• Day 2 – Read 1 John chapter 2
• Day 3 – Read 1 John chapter 3
• Day 4 – Read 1 John chapter 4
• Day 5 – Read 1 John chapter 5
• Day 6 – Read 1 John chapter 1

Days 7 through Day 30 would continue following this pattern. In the end, you read 1 John six times. Every day before reading, I prayed God would show me whether or not I have eternal life. If not, I prayed He would guide me to the point where I would know for sure that I do.

I believe the person that genuinely has eternal life will produce evidence that God’s Spirit resides in them. Their thoughts and actions will change in ways that align with what is written in the Bible.

I have given Uncle Paul’s advice to many doubters over the years. I allow God by His Spirit to confirm they are children of God and have eternal life. “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16)

Settling your future brings great freedom in the present. Do you want to know more? Reach out to me. I would love to help you on your journey. Contact me via email or DM me on Twitter @Men_of_Grit.

If you have comments, questions or feedback put them in the comments section below. I am always interested in hearing from you.

In your corner,

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

If you are going to be all in believing God, you will have times where you must put it on the line. When you do, you place yourself in a position to experience God. He wants you to experience Him and His strength. He wants you to know that He is trustworthy and especially when the path ahead is uncertain. But it takes a certain spiritual toughness and courage to trust Him when the destination is unknown. Few follow Him in this way. But those that do will see Him and experience His power and strength in ways others never will. The story below is one of those times when I put it on the line and encountered God in ways that are now deeply rooted in my soul.

The Challenge of Starting a Family

Several years ago, my wife and I were going through nine years of trying to have children. We were unable to do so. Many around us were having children, but it just was not happening for us. We prayed. Friends prayed. We went through all the picking and prodding that doctors do, but nothing worked for us. Many understand this pain. Many have been there.

At the time, we did not know it but God had a plan in the midst of our pain. He had a specific child chosen before all eternity just for our family. He just needed to put us on that path to see His plan come to fruition.

His Plan Not Mine

After several years with no success, my wife mentioned the possibility of adoption. At first, I was not sure. I wanted to think and pray it through. She prayed God would show me what His intention was for our family. As I prayed, I started to notice something as I read and studied through the Bible.

I started to think this through and began to realize that God wanted to grow our family in the same way He grows His own, through adoption. He wanted our family to reflect His. This would be a part of our witness to the world around us. Through adoption God also would enable us to more fully understand the love He has for us and all those He adopts into His family. It would reveal to me in a practical way how God’s love for those He adopts is the same love He has for His Son. This imagery was compelling to me, and it made sense. It gave me the clarity and direction I needed to lead our family.

Shortly after this, I met my wife for lunch. I told her I was ready to start the process of adoption. The adoption process was a long one and it was expensive. From the very beginning, my wife prayed that God would raise up the money to pay for it. I, on the other hand, was looking into loans and other ways to come up with the money.

As we continued through the process, we had several heartbreaks. There were times when we were up to the last step and things fell through. That was hard but I was convinced God was raising up one specific child made especially for our family. The path to get to that point was unknown but I trusted Him.

Into the Storm of the Unknown: the Place You Experience God

Several months prior to this time, my wife had left her job to care for her grandmother who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. That answer was easy after reading, “if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.” So we had transitioned from a two income family to a one income family. My job working for a steel company was now the sole income for our family.

On top of the challenges related to starting a family, the economy started to tank. The company I was working for began the process of cutbacks. I started to get the sense that God was going to move us to something else in life but the timing seemed like it couldn’t be worse. It certainly did not make sense to me but in my spirit, I knew something was stirring. I sensed that we were about to walk into the storm of the unknown. We would face a time that would require a spiritual toughness and faith that was far greater than we had ever experienced up to this point in time. A time was coming when we would be challenged to put it on the line.

During this time I was continually drawn back to a specific passage in the Bible.

For weeks this passage kept finding its way into my life. I would listen to a Christian message on the radio and it would be mentioned. In my morning prayer time, it kept popping into my mind and I had a hard time thinking of anything else. I used to read a daily devotional book and it would be included in the writing. It would be included in sermons and in conversations I had with others. It was uncanny how often it would surface.

So I started to spend time just thinking through what Jesus was saying in these words. It became clear to me that He was leading me to zero in on seeking Him above everything else so He could lead and prepare me for what was ahead. If I did this He would take care of the “needs” we normally worry about.

I knew if God was making such an impression on me with these specific words, then we were about to enter into a time where most people would worry. It became evident that God did not want me to worry but instead wanted me to trust Him with the needs of my family.

I remember telling my wife that as crazy as it sounds I think God is going to call us away from this job. I could not tell her what God was calling us to. I did not know. But as each day passed it became more evident that He was calling us to trust Him with our future and I was leaving this job.

Time to Put It On the Line

The day came when I was given two options. I could take a different position in another department with different hours, or I could take a severance package. The other job was going in the opposite direction of my career goals and the hours were worse for our family. By then, I knew I was to take the severance package. That was clear to me. It was time to put it on the line. Few understood but I knew it without a doubt. Another passage came to mind. This has been my fall back ever since I became a Christian. It applies to so much of life.

In the General Manager’s Office

I made the decision to take the severance package and leave the job. The severance package would keep us going for about three to four months. Shortly after making my decision to take the severance I was asked to stop by the General Manager’s office.

I went to his office and sat down. He asked me if I was sure this was the decision I wanted to make. I sensed at the time he was sincerely concerned that I was making a mistake. I understood his concern. If left to my own understanding, I would have thought the same. But I told him I sensed God was calling me to go. He asked if I had another opportunity. I did not. But I said to him that I trusted God was leading me and He would take care of me, and my family. I could tell in his eyes he thought I was crazy.

I could not disagree with him. It looked crazy from the outside looking in. But there was a side of me that was actually excited about the adventure of it all. I wondered what God had in store for us in the days ahead.

Lessons Forged in the Fire

It ended up that I was off work for nine months. It was a difficult time. I did not like not having a steady income. I would think about my role to lead and provide for a family we were trying to expand. We were in the middle of the process of adoption and I did not have a job. I prayed often to maintain the right perspective. The struggle was real. There were days I would pray multiple times because the doubts rolled in and it was hard to stay on track. But God took care of us. I worked odd jobs to make a little money on the side and did what I needed to do. I worked hard to find the next opportunity.

It was a hard time but it was an exciting time and I learned a lot about God. I got to know Him in a deeper way. I had the privilege to see His care first hand. Bills were paid for us without us knowing how. We received checks and money in the mail out of nowhere. It was a time when God showed me many things and strengthened my faith. Lessons forged in the fire are lessons that just seem to take deeper root in your soul.

The Adoption

So what about the adoption? When I left the job we really thought it would take about 3-4 months to land another job. As we were going through the process of leaving my job we were told I had some sort of stock plan that needed to be cashed out. And so we did. When we totaled the amount it was exactly what we needed to completely pay off the adoption. At the time, we didn’t know it would take 9 months to find a job but it was clear that God wanted us to use this money to pay for the adoption. We were to trust Him with our future and needs. God provided and I stopped looking for loans!

Near the end of the 9 months, we had been picked to adopt. Shortly after we got a call. We were told that the birth mother (God’s miracle worker) had the baby and it was a boy. It was an incredible time. What was even more incredible was that on the same day we received the news that I had a new job in Charlotte, NC. God provided a son and a job on the same day after 9 years of infertility and 9 months of unemployment.

I look back and realize the reason it took so long to find the next job is that our son had not yet been born. We were not leaving until God’s plan took place. When he was born the job came and we were moving a few weeks later. The timing of God is an incredible thing.

The Close of the Chapter

Within the first year in the new job, a steel manufacturing association was holding a conference in Charlotte. The attendees toured the mill where I was now working. After the tour, one of the guys from my team came to tell me there was someone that wanted to speak with me in the main office.

I went, and there was the General Manager from my previous job. I told him about how our home sold for several thousand dollars more than we were asking, about the adoption of my son and how we had settled into life in NC. He was all smiles. I then looked him in the eyes and asked him, “Do you remember the conversation we had in your office and how I said God would take care of me?” He said, “Yes, I remember it well.” I told him, “He took care of me, didn’t He?” He said, “Yes, He did.”

Do I always walk by faith in this way? No, I do not. I struggle like all men. But this is what I know. Until you put it on the line, there are things about God you just do not get to see and experience first hand. His lessons are often forged in the fire. But when you do put it on the line, He imprints these lessons deep within your soul. They solidify your faith. But this takes courage and spiritual toughness and you must put yourself out there. I saw God come through for me as a man and us as a family. I experienced His strength in me this time and other times since. When you experience this you will never forget what He has done in your life. You will have experienced the God of the universe.

In your corner,

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

If you have comments, questions, or feedback put them in the comments section below or send me an email. If you like this post click like button below. I am always interested in hearing from you.

MORE FROM MEN OF GRIT

What is Men of Grit about? Read “About Men of Grit”

Challenge your view of Jesus. Read “The Rugged Man’s Perspective of the Other Side of Jesus”

A man’s leadership does not end with the workday. Read “Do Hard Things”

Love Football? Learn lessons from the past to win today. Read “Driven to Be the Best: The Fierce Leader of the Men of Steel.

How to help your son transition from boy to man. Read “The Exciting Challenges of Breaking Into The World Of Manhood”

Visit Book Recommendations for books that have impacted my life. I will continue to add more.

What comes to mind when you think of Jesus?

What words come to mind when you think of Jesus? What picture comes to mind? I would argue that the standard terms used to describe Jesus and the images that generally come to mind are “safe.” They fit a nice guy image that many masculine men have a hard time relating to. Often the descriptions of Jesus are designed to meet the narrative of our day. They are careful not to make him sound too masculine, which I think is unfortunate. This incomplete picture reduces the appeal and forms an image that is not the type of man most men would follow as their leader.

I think the narrative of the day concerning Jesus leaves many men wondering whether Christianity is right for them. They ask themselves, How does a rugged man’s man fit in Christianity? Other men end up calling themselves a Christian but do not fully embrace the faith and feel like they can never really be themselves. Some embrace the faith and work really hard to fit into a mold that is far less masculine than the man they truly are.

I am writing to share what I have discovered about Jesus that just might change your thinking when it comes to who he is. These are just a few things that have helped me relate to Jesus as a masculine man (there are many more than what I have written in this article). Some of them do not always fit the description we hear today but they are clearly written in the bible. Maybe reading them will renew interest or challenge you to take another look at Jesus and consider following him.

My Kind of Men

I have worked in the steel industry for almost 32 years. Leading in this industry is my calling. I have held several leadership positions and have had the privilege of working alongside many men over the years. Some of these men have been strong, tough, in your face, hard-charging and rugged. Many of these men tend to have a little edge to them. They aren’t safe men that always stay between the culture’s predetermined, acceptable lines. They push the limits and they enjoy doing so. These men are the type of men I like. They are tough-minded, a little on the wild side, and they are not wimps. They are men that sweat for a living. They don’t mind getting dirty. They work hard and they play hard. I relate to them. I am one of them. I have led them. They are my breed. I respect them.

Many Men Cannot Relate to the Jesus often portrayed today

So, when these men have a hard time relating to the Jesus I follow because they may not really know him completely, I take an interest. This inspires me to share the rugged, man’s man side of Jesus that we do not hear about often enough. You see, I know there are aspects of Jesus that many men CAN relate to. If we carefully read the bible for ourselves, we will see sides of Jesus that generally do not come to mind when most think of him. The typical list reads something like this: Jesus is loving, forgiving, humble, compassionate, gentle, self-controlled, patient, obedient, and honest. All of this is true. But this is only one side of who Jesus was. There was more. This same Jesus was also confrontational, bold, fearless, authentic, offensive, challenging, aggressive, passionate, and violent (meaning: using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something). There are things about Jesus that make him more relatable to men like me. He was a lot more gritty and aggressive than what is usually portrayed. I like knowing Jesus had that side to his personality.

The Other Side of Jesus

So, on the one hand, Jesus could show compassion for people that are down and out and in need. But on the other hand, he could demonstrate violent, passionate, zeal against those that should know better but instead chose to lead people down the wrong path. Jesus was more complex than we generally recognize. In many ways, he was a rugged man’s man. Here a few observations I have made.

Jesus Worked Hard, Got Dirty, and Sweated

First, Jesus was a man that knew how to work with his hands. He grew up as a tradesman. He was a carpenter, having worked side by side with his father, Joseph. Carpenters did various work, including roofing, making doors, lintels, shelves, tables, and cabinets. They also produced ladders, wheels, yokes for animals, and farm implements. Though some wood may have been available from suppliers, most carpenters went to the forests themselves to choose and cut down the trees that best suited the work they were doing. It was a job that was physical and required a high level of skill. So Jesus knows what it means to put in a hard day’s work. He has had dirt under his fingernails. He knows what it’s like to sweat. I like that about Jesus.

Jesus Was An Outdoorsman

Second, Jesus was an outdoorsman. He was mentally and physically tough, which is what it takes to survive in the wild. Jesus spent 40 days in the Judean wilderness. While there, it is noted that he was among the “wild animals.” The word used to describe wild animals meant they were animals that are typically dangerous to people. A quick study of the animals of the day in that part of the world includes the following; bears, leopards, wolves, cobras and desert vipers, scorpions, hyenas, jackals, desert foxes, and wild boars. Now think about it. Amid these animals, Jesus survived 40 days. I have spent a lot of time in the wild. If you have ever spent time out in the wild, you know it is not easy to do. Only tough-minded men can live in the wild, even with the equipment of today. A man that spends 40 days alone in the wild with this list of animals would be considered a rugged, man’s man in my book. This alone would be a right of passage into becoming a man of men.

It is interesting that even after this time of 40 days in the wilderness and throughout his three and a half years of public ministry, Jesus did not have a home. He told others who wanted to follow him that “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” Several times, he spent entire nights on the mountain tops praying. This was a common thing for Jesus. I don’t care what anyone says, Jesus was a strong masculine man. I would have loved to have been there and toughed it out with him. I think about how spending time battling the elements with his team helped build an incredible bond between these men.

Jesus Was Not a Safe Man

Third, Jesus was not a safe man that stayed between society’s acceptable lines. He made people nervous and, at times, put people on edge. Those closest to him thought Jesus was pushing the limits just a little too much. They wanted him to tone it down, yet he was bold and got up in the face of some influential people. He confronted leaders that were misleading and abusing people with their power. He stood toe to toe with the most powerful men of his day. He told them they were wrong in what they were doing and how they were misleading the people. He did it in front of others and in ways that offended them. But Jesus didn’t back down or back off. He pushed on and did not pull punches. I love his boldness. He was the man who took a stand when others took a back seat. I admire that in a man.

Jesus Was Comfortable Around Those That Were Rough Around the Edges

Fourth, Jesus was a man of the people, a protector, and a provider to those less fortunate and in need. He was born and raised in humble circumstances and remained in touch with people from all walks of life. While the leaders of his day avoided the outcasts of society and made it clear that they thought he should avoid them also, Jesus ate and drank with them. They were comfortable with him, and they came to him. They did not feel out of place around Jesus. There was something about him that made him approachable. Jesus knew that hanging out with the “tax collectors” and “sinners” would offend and cause issues with the leaders, but he did it anyway. He did it in plain sight of them. Jesus did not mind stirring things up that needed to be stirred up. It was important to him that those that were a little rough around the edges understood that he had time for them. He wanted the “outsiders,” those a little “rough around the edges” to know that in Jesus, there was a way to God.

Jesus was a Fearless Man

Fifth, Jesus was a fearless man. He was bold about going and doing the mission God the Father gave him to do. While his inner circle of men (disciples) wanted him to stay away from places where people threatened to kill him, Jesus said that’s precisely where we are going to go. He did not back down. He did not shut up. He kept pushing and driving his message. Even if Jesus was standing alone in the temple, flipping tables and driving money changers out with a whip, he stayed the course. Jesus was not a wimp. He challenged other men. Jesus called people out and confronted those that misled others. He was a protector and provider. Jesus was a sheepdog that fought the wolves. He was bold, fearless, and aggressive. Again, I admire these things about Jesus. As most men recognize, there are times in life when men need to stand up and state the truth no matter what the consequences. Jesus did this often. In fact, he kept doing it until finally, the leaders devised a plan and put him to death.

Jesus was a Courageous Man

Finally, Jesus was a courageous man. In his final days, while alone praying, Jesus saw the path ahead. He was to go to the cross and die the most painful and horrible death a man could die in those days. At the same time, Jesus was going to be separated and rejected by His Father to save many. The horror and pain he saw at that moment were so tremendous he was stressed to the point of pushing sweat like blood out of his forehead. He would take on the horror of the worst that sin could produce. I do not fully understand all that Jesus took on in his time on the cross. But he understood it completely. He even asked God the Father if there was another way to complete the task ahead. There was no other way. And so, in the face of it all, Jesus submitted. In great courage, he moved forward as men do when faced with unavoidable horrible situations. Men make the sacrifices needed for the safety and benefit of others. Sacrifice is what the rugged man’s man does. Sacrifice is what Jesus did. He provided so that men like us that are a little rough around the edges might have a way to find God and know His salvation. Jesus was a courageous man. In his words, “Greater love has no man than this, to lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus considers rugged men part of his group of friends. You are part of that group.

Jesus: a Rugged Man’s Man

In summary, Jesus was not a wimp. Wimps and passive men do not start revolutions, and they do not get murdered for their beliefs. Jesus was a rugged man’s man. Hopefully, these few examples are enough for you to reconsider the man Jesus and his claims and promises. I can tell you I have followed him for many years and never regretted a single day. He has given me strength for today and hope for eternity. I never have to be concerned about my future because it is in his hands. Jesus has secured my place by his finished work and proved his power over sin by his resurrection. He has given and continues to provide far more than I will ever deserve.

I know where my strength comes from.

If you have comments, questions or feedback put them in the comments section below or send me an email. I am always interested in hearing from you.

In your corner,

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

MORE FROM MEN OF GRIT

What is Men of Grit about? Read “About Men of Grit”

A man’s leadership does not end with the workday. Read “Do Hard Things”

Love Football? Learn lessons from the past to win today. Read “Driven to Be the Best: The Fierce Leader of the Men of Steel.

How to help your son transition from boy to man. Read “The Exciting Challenges of Breaking Into The World Of Manhood”

Visit Book Recommendations for books that have impacted my life. I will continue to add more.