The Man God Made You to Be Sample

Day 2 - Fear

What are you afraid of? I used to be deathly afraid of sharks, even though I grew up thousands of miles away from the ocean! As I grew older, the fear became more rational, but I still never wanted to run into a shark. While on an ocean getaway with my wife, we decided to go snorkeling. We were having a great time looking at all of the ocean life when my wife started freaking out. She pointed behind us, where no more than six feet away, a four-foot shark had snuck up on us. I was paralyzed but instead of trying to out-swim my wife, I faced that shark and watched as it swam away. I then had to go change my wetsuit! The point is, I came face to face with what I was afraid of and I did not run away.

Fear is a common theme today. Everyone is afraid of something. Fear seems to dominate our politics, religion, and relationships. Fear also prevents us from becoming a better man. Why? Because it keeps us from trying new things and taking new opportunities. It keeps us at home playing video games, not getting a gym membership, or not going after that job promotion. When fear controls us, we aren’t walking in God-given “power, love and self-discipline.” Fear wants us to be complacent. Fear wants us to be comfortable. When we are comfortable we stop improving. 

I believe what the world needs now, more than ever, is men who are willing to face their fears. Men who will not let the risks outweigh the rewards. The spirit of fear around us is not what God intends for us. Look at all the men we admire. The great leaders throughout history did not let fear stop them. It’s not that they were not afraid, but they didn’t let fear control them. 

Fear is a motivating factor and when used for good it can be world changing and life changing. 

What is one thing that you have always wanted to do? Why haven’t you done it? If fear is a major reason, maybe it is time to reevaluate. Men today have allowed fear to keep them from being engaged fathers, investing in their marriage, and leading their family. Today, more than ever, we need men who aren’t afraid to face and conquer their fear; men who walk in “power, love and self-discipline.” 

1. Each of us have legitimate fears. We all have areas we allow our fear to control. Write down 3 things that fear is controlling in your life today. What would you need to do to overcome those fears? What would your life look like if you did?
2. What is a fear that you need to face? It could be as simple as dealing with your finances or as big as facing someone who abused you.
3. What is one small or big step you can make today to start conquering that fear?