This post is based on a sermon titled ‘Men of Faith’ by Ken Wootton on Sunday 2 September, 2024. Listen to the full message here.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on the evolving role of fathers and men in our culture. Society’s expectations have changed drastically over the years, especially due to the influence of media. A study I read recently examined how fathers are portrayed in family-centered sitcoms from 1980 to 2017. It found that in more recent years, fathers are often shown as foolish or incompetent in parenting situations—quite a departure from the serious, wise father figures of the 1950s and 1960s.

This shift in portrayal can have a significant impact. When media consistently depicts fathers in a negative light, it can influence how society views the role of men and fathers. It can even affect how fathers see themselves. The constant pressure to live up to unrealistic standards can lead to feelings of inadequacy, causing some to give up or disengage entirely. This pressure can be incredibly harmful, leading to pain in families, marriages, and personal lives.

Finding Strength in Biblical Stories

On this Father’s Day, I want to share a couple of stories from the Bible that highlight the importance of perseverance, faith, and positive influence. One story is about the 12 spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. These were not just any men—they were leaders chosen from each tribe of Israel. When they returned, they reported that the land was indeed rich and fertile, but they also saw formidable challenges, including strong cities and giants. Most of the spies were intimidated and brought back a negative report, saying, “We are not able to go against these people, for they are stronger than we.” However, Caleb stood out with his faith and courage. He urged the people to go up and take possession of the land, trusting that with God’s help, they could overcome any obstacles.

Caleb’s response is a powerful reminder that we often face challenges in life that seem insurmountable. It’s easy to focus on the problems and forget about the potential for solutions. Caleb saw the same giants as the other spies, but he chose to focus on God’s promise and the opportunities ahead. As fathers, husbands, and leaders, we need to adopt this mindset—to see beyond the challenges and believe in the possibilities that faith and perseverance can bring.

The Power of Overcoming Adversity

Another powerful example comes from the story of David’s mighty men. When David was fleeing from King Saul, he ended up in a cave, and it was there that he gathered around him a group of men who were described as being in distress, in debt, and discontented. These were not the elite warriors you might expect; they were a ragtag bunch, the kind of men society might write off as failures or misfits.

Yet, under David’s leadership, these men transformed into mighty warriors. They became known for their incredible feats of bravery and strength. This story shows that even those who seem to have nothing going for them can achieve greatness with the right guidance and a shared vision. It reminds us that no matter what our past or present circumstances may be, God can use us to make a difference in the world.

Embracing Our God-Given Purpose

As we reflect on these stories, it’s clear that God often chooses the unlikely to achieve the extraordinary. The disciples Jesus chose were not the learned scholars of their time; they were fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary men. They weren’t perfect, but they were willing to follow Jesus and be transformed by His teachings.

This Father’s Day, let’s take these lessons to heart. Let’s not be defined by our failures or by the negative portrayals we may encounter. Instead, let’s focus on the unique purpose God has for each of us. Whether we see ourselves as misfits, underqualified, or just ordinary, God sees our potential. He has a plan for each of us to make a positive impact in our families, our communities, and beyond.

Moving Forward with Courage and Grace

Here are a few key takeaways as we move forward:

1. Don’t Let Failures Define You:We all have setbacks, but they don’t determine our worth. God uses our experiences—both good and bad—to shape us and prepare us for the future.

2. Walk Humbly and Seek God’s Guidance:True strength comes from relying on God. As we navigate life’s challenges, let’s seek His wisdom and grace.

3. Encourage and Uplift Each Other:Our words have power. Let’s be people who build up, who see potential in others, and who inspire them to pursue their God-given purpose.

4. Embrace Your Unique Purpose: God has a plan for each of us. No matter where you are or what you’ve been through, He can use you to make a difference.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, let’s honor the important role fathers play in our lives and communities. Let’s commit to being men who, like Caleb and David’s mighty men, see the opportunities amidst the challenges and trust in God’s strength to carry us through.

Bible Reading:

1. Numbers 13:27-33– This passage describes the report of the 12 spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. It details the contrasting perspectives of the spies: most of them express fear of the inhabitants and describe themselves as unable to conquer the land, while Caleb confidently asserts that they can take possession of it with God’s help.

2. 1 Samuel 22:1-2– This passage tells the story of David gathering a group of men in the cave of Adullam. The men who joined him were described as being in distress, in debt, and discontented, but they eventually became David’s mighty warriors.

3. 1 Corinthians 1:27 – This verse highlights how God often chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the weak things of the world to shame the strong, emphasizing that God’s wisdom and strength are different from the world’s standards.

4. Romans 8:28– This verse reassures that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose, highlighting God’s providence and plan in every circumstance.

5. 2 Timothy 2:1-2– This passage includes Paul’s advice to Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and to commit the teachings he has received to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.