10 Challenges Every Dad Must ConquerSample

Day 12: Wrapup

So, now we’ve looked at ten of the most-pressing challenges from dads—and how we can conquer them. I want to look back with a recap and a reminder—a promise—for you as a dad. You do not have to walk around feeling overwhelmed, like a failure or alone. You are not alone. We are here to help you. 

In the past few days, you’ve read the following challenges from dads—now read the challenge along with the promise from Scripture. 

Challenge #1 You’re not sure whether you’re winning or losing. 

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” —Proverbs 22:6

You can know if you’re winning or losing—and how you can actually win.

Challenge #2 Culture’s pulling your child away.

“My dearly loved brothers, understand this: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger...”—James 1:19

There is a war going on. If you aren’t fighting it—you’re losing. You can win the battle between culture and your child.

Challenge #3 You feel distant from your child.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” —Ephesians 6:4.

You can learn how to connect with your child like never before.

Challenge #4 You’re living with failure and regret.

“For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” —Romans 7:18

You don’t have to live in your past failure or walk around with regret. You can overcome it.

Challenge #5 You’re always angry.

“Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity.” —Ephesians 4:26-27 (CSB)

“Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” —Ephesians 4:31-32 (CSB)

You can learn how to inject grace and peace into your family.

Challenge #6 Your child feels distant from you. 

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” —Proverbs 20:5 (NIV)

You can break the barriers and pull your child closer by asking smarter questions.

Challenge #7 You’re fighting the wrong enemy.

“...our struggle is not against flesh and blood.” —Ephesians 6:12

There is an enemy. It’s not who you’re fighting now. Learn to fight the right enemy so you win the real war.

Challenge #8 You’ve failed in the past and you’re not sure what to do. 

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” —1 Corinthians 16:13

You can turn your past failures into gospel conversations.

Challenge #9 You’re overwhelmed and unfocused. 

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” —Ephesians 5:15-17 

You can be intentional at home and in life.

Challenge #10 You don’t have enough energy for work and home. 

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:31

You can have enough energy to thrive at work and home.

I trust you’ve been encouraged and challenged over these last few days. Imagine walking around feeling confident and focused—knowing you were doing what God calls you to do as a husband and father. We think by reading this plan, you’re on the right track. You can do this. We’ll be here to help walk with you.

The last few days have just been a sprinkling of all that’s in our Field Guides for dads. If you found this reading plan helpful, you can snag the Field Guides Bundle with all ten field guides.