If you’ve ever walked through the book of Job, you know, it’s a tough read. So much loss and pain. And, this guy Job, he goes through quite an ordeal. Er, ordeals, actually. Finally, it’s as if he snaps and starts asking God what in the world He’s up to. He’s bitter (Job 27:2), and he crosses that fine line between seeking answers and challenging God’s plan. Beginning in Job chapter 38, God finally speaks. “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” Almighty God continues by asking Job a series of (unanswerable) questions. Remind me, where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth or when I told the sea how far it could go? Did you help me invent the sunrise, seen the gates of death or know where I keep all that snow stored up? God beckons us to come to Him with our fears, doubts and questions. He is near to the broken hearted (Psalm 34:18). Yet, He also reminds us that He’s still at the helm even when we feel like He’s asleep at the wheel. God didn’t say this so that Job would feel small (well…). He said it so Job would see how BIG God is. Job, repentant, finally concludes, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Seeing God for how big He is – and acknowledging our own limitations – can bring us peace amidst the storm.

Raising teenage boys into men: A Dad’s Guide: Every man used to be a teenage boy, but that doesn’t make the job of raising one of our own any easier. Guiding adolescent boys toward godly manhood is definitely a challenge, but it’s also one of the most rewarding jobs around. Of course, you’ll never know it all, but a few basics can help you navigate many of the twists and turns you’ll face on this journey.

Proverbs 16: From fallen to forgiven: Nobody’s perfect. Intellectually, we know that to be true, but that rings hollow when we come up short and fall into the quicksand of sin. While our sin might create problems with our relationships here on earth, it ultimately offends the God who created us and sent His Son to die for us. Thankfully, He has proven time and again that He is faithful to forgive when we come to Him in humility. As we continue our study of Proverbs 16, we’ll see that God’s trustworthy love and grace can help us course correct so we can become the men He created us to be.

“Most Christians salute the sovereignty of God but believe in the sovereignty of man.” – R. C. Sproul

“Not merely does God will to guide us in the sense of showing us his way, that we may tread it; he wills also to guide us in the more fundamental sense of ensuring that, whatever happens, whatever mistakes we may make, we shall come safely home.” – J.I. Packer

“I find that doing of the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His plans.” – George MacDonald

“God will ensure my success in accordance with His plan, not mine.” – Francis Chan

Admit your limits. Maybe you’ve been trying to fix that relationship for a decade. Or, you’ve been pushing for change at your church, and it just isn’t happening. Or, you’ve wanted that promotion, but keep getting passed over. Are you ready to admit it’s beyond your control? Are you finally able to bend the knee, and like Job, acknowledge your limitations and place your complete trust in the One who set this world in motion? Maybe for you today is that day.

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

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