Being a dad is exhausting, confusing, and darn-near impossible. It’s also rewarding, exciting, and a process—a journey—if you will. This journey takes knowing where you are, where you want to go, and essential tools to get you there. We call them the 4 stages and 7 tools. Here are the 4 stages: Stage 1: NEW TRAVELER. You’re just getting started as a dad and want to head in the right direction. Stage 2: CAPABLE NAVIGATOR. You’re navigating fatherhood’s challenges, but want to be more skilled. Stage 3: ROAD WARRIOR. You know your way around and want to master the habits of fatherhood. Stage 4: TOUR GUIDE. You’re discipling your kids and helping other fathers find their footing. We’ll cover all 7 tools in the following weeks, but here are their biblical underpinnings. Tool #1: TRUST GOD. Trust in the Lord with all your heart… (Prov. 3:5-6) Tool #2 KNOW SCRIPTURE. All Scripture is breathed out by God… (2 Tim. 3:16). Tool #3 PRAY FERVENTLY. …but in everything by prayer and supplication…let your requests be made known to God… (Phil. 4:6-7). Tool #4 BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another (Prov. 27:17). Tool #5 SERVE OTHERS. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve… (Mark 10:45) Tool #6 STEWARD RESOURCES. One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much… (Luke 16:10). Tool #7 MAKE DISCIPLES. And these words…shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children… (Deut. 6:6-8).

7 BIBLE VERSES ABOUT PEACE: No matter who we are or what we do in life, we will face situations that steal our peace. Stress and anxiety subtly worm their way into our daily existence and rob us of our joy and our sense of security. God understands our struggles with these villains, which is why He shared so much about peace in His Word. Plugging into peace means plugging into what the Bible has to say about peace.

A FATHER’S DAY MESSAGE FOR DADS: Some men are natural fixers. They just know how to connect the right wires or make “Tab A” and “Slot B” fit to perfection. Others struggle–and usually call in a professional for help. Thankfully, whether you’re a “do it yourself” man or a “pick up the phone” kind of guy around the house, God has equipped you to make a difference as a dad. He’s given you all the tools you need to get the job done right, the fatherhood job He’s assigned specifically to you. You just need to recognize what’s in your toolbox and lean into His wisdom to use His gifts well. Father’s Day is a great time to start!