Disciplined Faith

“It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” –Romans 14:11-12

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” –Hebrews 12:11

“(A storm broke out while the disciples were in the boat and the men feared so they woke up Jesus who was sleeping) He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’  They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’” -Mark 4:39-41

 

As men it’s so easy to go through life trying to do it all on our own in some form of macho masochism.  For others, it’s just the opposite as they go through life spineless, lacking self-confidence, and never embracing their true manhood and approval found in God’s acceptance. Many men miss God’s calling and will for their life because they get in their own way and live in a self-made prison. At the end of the day you may find yourself answering to your wife, your parents, or just to yourself but keep in mind that one day you will stand before God and give account of everything you’ve done in this lifetime (Romans 14:11-12).

Men, two things I would like to emphasize to you today are having a deep faith in something greater than yourself and secondly to be disciplined enough to go after it. Many times we as men we only want to have to answer to ourselves without admitting we have any issues or hang-ups. Others of us men have become so weak-minded we can’t move and are so paralyzed by our own fear that we can’t get out of our own way as we live an imprisoned life feeling lost, unconfident, and full of self-defeat. We don’t have to fear though. God tells us to put our full faith and trust in him alone. Don’t become a god unto yourself by trying to leave the true God out of your life’s picture.

I’ve recently pushed myself to do a tough challenge of discipline by making myself do a body cleanse program. God knows my self-discipline has been horrible whether it’s eating healthy, working out consistently, or avoiding temptation. This is a struggle for many of us and I want to encourage you to start pushing yourself to have better habits and discipline. I have found though by doing this body cleanse discipline that it’s helping in other areas of my life such as my mind and relationship with God. What do you need to start doing today to activate your faith and be disciplined?  Your world will open up to endless possibilities when you do and God can further use you for his service. Guys, when one puts his faith wholly in the Lord of the universe you can rest assured that he will be doing a work in you to bring himself closer to you and lead you through life. Get over yourself and simply trust him. Rest assured that you don’t have to continue going down the path you’re on if you’re feeling fearful, lazy, and unfulfilled or if you’re just doing what you want to do with no faith in anything but yourself. Start today men of God. A leader MUST have good discipline and faith is the main component in serving God with your life. Simply let it all go. Throw it all at his feet in prayer and embrace his love and allow him to work and change you into a better man full of faith and discipline.

When fear or uncertainty knocks on your life’s door, send faith to answer.