The very definition of a man connotes the idea of one who is tough, unbreakable and an all-time overcomer. The ideal man must neither cry nor show anything close to weakness. No matter the challenge thrown his way, he must chew it, quickly get done and anticipate the next. This is often the assumption. But truth be told, all men have a soft spot that if left unchecked, might bring out the worst in them when their backs are against the walls.
A man is a person with responsibilities. He is a person others look up to, most times including fellow men. Yet he is not exempt from storms and challenges. As he builds his dreams, he might make mistakes, he might lack resources, he probably has so many he’s carrying on his shoulders, he might be criticized and misunderstood, he might lose loved ones he has invested so much into, he might be addicted to things that compromise his relationship with his God, the list is endless. All these are storms, and they are sure to come. But a man must brave them and come out trump.
When we talk about braving the storms, it simply means making a choice to win, no matter what shows up. It begins with a decision. A fiery determination to take the race to the tape. No giving up! God believes in you, so many look up to you and believe in you too and so you must stay strong, even if sometimes not for yourself, for them. Giving up is an insult to those who believe in you.
Challenges are what make life interesting, overcoming them is what gives life a meaning. Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but raising up every time we fall and watch ourselves fight to victory. We don’t fall like a leaf that drops to the ground and rots, but like a seed that falls to the soil and sprouts up again, bearing more fruits. We should never allow challenges to dull our light or put out our sparkle. There is a treasure hidden in us, and as we hold on, that treasure will soon emerge for all to see and be inspired.
Most times, fear of challenges and failure holds many people back. It has been the thief of many potentials. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step and peradventure, it might be the one step that you ever needed for your breakthrough. You may be disappointed if you fail but you stand a chance to learn, but you are worse off if you don’t try. Transcend your fears and don’t allow them to make your life dull. It is not the number of years in your life that counts, but the life in your number of years that really matters. Make your years count by refusing to be a victim of your fears.
Sometimes we tie God’s goodness to our performance and our goodness. But the truth is, he still loves us even in our flaws, sins and mistakes. Every day of our Christian experience should be a day of relating to God on the basis of His grace alone. Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace, your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.
Through it all, God remains our sure foundation and refuge. Like David who found his strength in the Lord in his stormy days (1st Sam 30:6), God’s word and His name is our safe haven and consolation. Those who run to him are very wise and will never be put to shame. In your mountains and valleys, never forget He is so close to you, closer than you could ever know. Just dare and believe Him.
By Job Mwathi.