I know it's hard.
It's hard being a leader.
It's hard being humble.
It's hard being tough.
It's hard being a young Christian man in today's culture.
There are so many things that I wish to say to you. Being a young man who passionately seeks after the Lord with his whole heart is tough in today's culture. Many times people see relying on another source of power as a weakness. Please don't ever believe that lie.
It's hard being a leader. You must rely on God's strength. You're a leader at church, a leader for your wife, and a leader for your family. These types of positions cannot be handled with your own strength. Being a leader requires boldness and humility, strength but also lowliness of the heart, wisdom beyond your years but also a meek spirit, and above all love. Love goes along way. It teaches you integrity and strength of mind. Love allows you to be a hard worker giving all the glory back to God. Love allows you to be honest in business and every day life. Love allows you to make honest choices that bring honor to God and it gives you integrity to stand up for what is right. Most importantly people will see God through you when you lead with dignity and will want to know Him more. It's also hard to be the leader in a relationship. It's hard to initiate a relationship when you are scared to death to make the first move. I asked an older gentleman what His favorite Bible verse was and he said Proverbs 18:22: "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." He was pointing out that men have the responsibility to make the relationship happen not the woman, because, as he explained, find is in fact a verb.
It's hard being humble. You must have humility to ask for help when you need it. Turn for help when you need it rather than trying to face your problems on your own. When you are fighting sins, please know that in the end, asking for help is worth the momentary humiliation if it means overcoming your vices. In this culture men want to be on top. Being on top means you get the girls, the money, and the fame. In order to get that there is no room for being humble. Matthew 23:12 says "But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Humble yourself before the Lord and you will be exalted. Have a fierce love for righteousness and a healthy fear of God.
It's hard being tough. You must be strong against the wiles and evils of this world in our day and age. I pray that you would feel strong enough to take on anything this life has to offer you with God by your side. God has given you a noble heart, a steadfast spirit and a passionate pursuit for holiness. It's hard to be strong and not give in to all the temptations the world throws your way. You must rely on strength from God because without Him you will not be able to defeat all of your battles and struggles, provide for your family, or be able to love your wife well. Unapologetically seek after the Lord with your whole heart and He will provide the strength you need. When you find yourself in the thick of battle, call upon His name. All you have to say is "Jesus help me!" In that instant the battle becomes His. His name has unlimited power.
Ask God to give you vision and clarity today. Ask for a strong vision for your life. Only God knows exactly what your life will hold, and precisely what He wants to do through you. Ask God to remind you of that vision every day. Rely solely on God for your strength, and move forward with confidence. Love Him more than anything else, running after Him, unapologetically seeking Him with all your heart. Have passion and a selfless, unashamed boldness that can only come from God. Surround yourself with godly mentors and friends that will bring you closer to God and not farther away. Surround yourself with people who bring you joy and laughter. When you have this you will be able to experience the fullness and goodness of our Lord. Have compassion and love others when they are hurting. To do all these things you've got to know Jesus and one way to do that is through your Bible. Ask God to provide you wisdom when you read it. Meditate on His word and don't just hear it. Do what the Word tells you to do. Remember you are infinitely loved. Loved with an everlasting love that cannot sway or falter. Before you were born God knew you. In times of testing even the best theology can fail you if its not accompanied by a knowledge of who God is.
Love Him and it will continue to be hard, but it will be worth it. Don't ever give up.
Love your Sister in Christ,
Madison