Real Man’s Toolbox: Planning for the Future as a Godly Man

By Leo Hellyer 

Men, another year is upon us. A lot of unknowns face us. At times, the uncertainness of the future can be unnerving. What will our lives be like at the beginning of 2021? Where will we be in our careers? Where will we be financially? Where will we be health-wise? Where will my walk with God be in a year? 

We may feel that most of our future is beyond our control, but is that really true? Many of us men — and many of our coworkers, friends and acquaintances — feel as though we’re just running in a giant hamster ball with no control over what happens or where we are going. If you are a man of God, you are in a much different situation. As Christian men, we have a relationship with the Creator of the Universe, God Almighty, who loves us unconditionally and wants the best for us. God has given us His Word to guide us in our journey through this fallen world that we live in. 

We should not feel powerless and constantly worrying about our future because God has a plan for our lives, including our daily needs. In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus speaks to us, saying, “Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 

When we were conceived, God began to put His plan for our lives into place. All of our lives God has been guiding, protecting, equipping, challenging, and strengthening us for the journey that we are on. God will continue to walk with us through our lives all the way to when we are living with Him for eternity in Heaven. In Philippians 1:6 Paul instructs those in Philippi, and also us, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” God will constantly be molding us into who He has designed us to be. 

As we complete our short time here on Earth, there will be difficulties that will come upon us. There will be less than desirable events that will occur in our lives. There will be things that don’t go our way, because we live in a fallen world. In the midst of these things, we must remember that God gives us many promises. One of those promises is found in Revelation 21:4, where we read, “and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” 

As we look at this new year, and as we look at the rest of our lives, there is plenty to be aware of. Awareness and worry are two very different things. When we have a relationship with God Almighty — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — we have no need to worry. We need to nurture and expand our relationship with Him on a daily basis. We have a precious gift that many of our coworkers and acquaintances have not received yet. Some of them are not aware of this gift,  some feel that they are not worthy of this gift, and others have said that they do not want this gift. 

We have a responsibility to take advantage of any divine appointments that God gives us, to share the Good News with those He brings across our path. When we care about someone, we do not keep secrets from them. How many of our friends and acquaintances have we shared this gift from God with? We can have a lasting impact on the people God brings into our lives. We do not know when our time will be over on this planet. We definitely do not know when other people will be called to meet their Maker. 

As we ponder the new year and what might happen in our lives during this year, let’s also include those around us. As we pray for wisdom, courage, blessings, direction and comfort among other things for ourselves, let’s not forget to include the other people that God has brought into our lives. This is a perfect place to remember the words in Matthew 5:14-15, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under a bushel, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.” 

Don’t keep God’s plans for man a secret. Share them with others, and let the light of truth shine everywhere you go. 

Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church and has been married to his wife Norma for more than 45 years. The couple volunteered with the Boise FamilyLife Ministry Team for 20 years. They are both employed by Boise Rescue Mission Ministries, Norma at City Light Home for Women & Children and Leo at River of Life Rescue Mission. Leo is also the President and Chief Firearms Instructor with Helping Hands Firearms Training LLC. If you have questions about Real Man’s Toolbox, or need other assistance, Leo may be reached at [email protected] or 208-340-5544.