A FATHERS DAY MESSAGE
For us guys we are called upon to be the leader in many situations.
We are called to be courageous and to be the answer in many different ways.
Sometimes we fail and believe we could have done a better job.
But one of the most courageous things a man can do is ask for help!
Some say, “I’m rough and I’m tough and I don’t need no help from no body!!”
EXAMPLE – MY ROLE AS A POLICE CHAPLAIN
Superintendent Geoff O’Laughlin – “We all think we are bullet proof, but we’re not and we need some one to talk to.”
Some times the hardest thing in the world is to ask for help.
It takes real courage to say, “I don’t have all the answers.”
STORY
Mat 14:22 Right away, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away.
Mat 14:23 Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later that evening, he was still there.
Mat 14:24 By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves.
Mat 14:25 A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples.
Mat 14:26 When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming.
Mat 14:27 At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.”
Mat 14:28 Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.”
Mat 14:29 “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.
Mat 14:30 But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Mat 14:31 Right away, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, “You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?”
Mat 14:32 When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down.
Mat 14:33 The men in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God!”
Peter had enough courage to ask Jesus “If its really you tell me to come.”
The other disciples just sat back frozen with fear.
Look at The Sons of Thunder…. Not a peep!
What about Matthew, used to asking for tax money… not a peep!
Thomas …. Not a peep!
ONLY ONE MAN STOOD UP AND ASKED FOR AN INVITATION.
When do men think about needing help?
When they are playing footy
When they are pouring concrete
When they are carrying a load too heavy for two other normal sized guys
What about when they are having trouble finding directions? – not a hope!
What about when they are told they should go to the doctor?
What about when they are struggling with their marriage?
What about when they are struggling with sin?
What about when they are trying to win back the hearts of their teenagers that have gone astray?
For so many of us guys, we find it so hard to ask for help if it means being vulnerable. Any sign of weakness or feeling inadequate we equate with being less of a man.
BUT THE TRUTH IS IT TAKES REAL COURAGE TO REACH OUT FOR HELP.
The final outcome is more important than how I feel or how I think others will see me.
EXAMPLE
In Church if we have an altar call to respond to God for His power and answers – we will get a whole group of women out the front. Usually no guys!
EXAMPLE
When I’m at Conference and its altar call time – will I respond to the preacher and come forward to receive from God?
It’s hard… sometimes I feel like I don’t want to go … to appear liKe I haven’t got it all together. But mostly I go, because I want to open to God.
A few years back I went to see a Christian Counsellor because I was struggling with depression. He concluded that I was fine but I needed to work through some things. I could have said I can push through… I’ll be all right…. But I wanted to be the best I can be for God. I wanted to be totally whole and strong so I can be the most use to God. So I overcame my reluctance and fear and went to see someone for help.
Peter got out of the boat – he risked failure! He did fail in a way. But really he was an amazing success!
The other disciples must have felt regret by not having a go.
WHAT HELD THEM BACK? – FEAR.
What holds you back? Does fear stop you from reaching out when you need help?
Will you sit in the boat all your life? Or will you take courage and ask for help to be a better man for God, a better man for your family, a better man for your kids.
VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OEqYwz2qhw
Will you get out of the boat? Will you be courageous enough to ask for help when you need it?
Preview of tonight
Chuck Norris is the toughest man that ever lived (in Hollywood anyway) – and he’s a real Christian too!! In today’s world God needs some very tough men to live wholeheartedly for Him. Men will you do it? Or will you wimp out?
A father has the biggest opportunity to change the world in one generation.
Never underestimate your power dad to change the world.
Leo Tolstoy once said: Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
craigmanderson 
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