Some of the most inspiring accounts in Scripture are following the interactions with God and man. Most notably, we imagine a modest Moses in the Book of Exodus discounting his own character as a way of squirming out of the directives of God to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt. Think Jonah, boarding a ship for Tarshish and fleeing God’s direct orders to go to the city of Nineveh. 

Timothy Keller’s accurate analysis of the above-mentioned narrative is highlighted in his book, The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy. And so it was with me, almost a decade ago, trying my best to ignore God’s intelligible calling on my life to lead a Thursday night men’s Bible study group. Know this, God’s method of getting His way is tried and proven. It always happens. It always will. He is the way…the only way.

Two of the most human things we do as believers are to question the existence and character of God, particularly in situations that underscore our fears rather than promote our faith. It’s no wonder when God sends his agents to people in Scripture, their greetings are almost always prefaced with the words, “Fear not.” Those two words are often followed by an enamoring, sustaining peace and a glimpse into the supernatural.

 Establishing a Christian men’s fellowship can be tricky as much as it can be rewarding. The fact that men have turned their lives over to God doesn’t mean they have abandoned wanting to be seen as strong men in this world. As someone who God called to disciple, lead, and build relationships with other men, I sometimes have to navigate egos, avoid certain topics, and understand that men are coming from different walks of life with a different appreciation of who God is. Men who follow men have to know you have what it takes to lead them. In other words, men require consistency. Your job as their leader is always knowing who you are building a relationship with — knowing their story. Your mission, however, must be predicated on God leading you.

Like Moses, you will face the challenges of those who want to go rogue as you lead and guide them. There will be those who want to take you in different directions or question the teachings of God. This usually occurs when a person’s desires are not fully aligned with God’s. Know that if God has called you, He will never abandon you. He will always provide you with the fortitude to get things back on track. You will persevere to experience the joy of seeing lives transformed. You will see, firsthand, the testimonies that exceed even your own expectations.

As if lifted from the pages of Max Lucado’s When God Whispers Your Name, I remember being challenged weekly by one member of my Bible study group who was convinced that he was at peace with his Christian walk to the point of welcoming death. I knew, however, the tests he was experiencing in his life were mostly commensurate with someone living a charmed life. I recalled our sessions being amplified with the warning to him about the possibilities and preparedness of greater trials entering his life. Then came the tests — the deaths of close family members and his own illness. Naturally, his perspective changed, his fallibility exposed. His dependency on the support offered became paramount in his life. Our availability to him was of greater importance. It was never more evident to me how much, as men, we need each other. 

 We never know why or when God will call us. We must always know that none of us are naturally qualified. It is God who qualifies us. I’ve come to accept my calling with a greater appreciation of who God is. I accept that I can never outgive God. Because I am His vessel, He continues to provide ways to fill me to overflowing. And, I’ve also come to realize that with God, there are no accidents or coincidences, just His plan…Believe.

Helpful Resources

Timothy Keller, The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy, Viking Adult, 2018

Max Lucado, When God Whispers Your Name, Thomas Nelson, 2011