by Scott Burday
Stonebriar IronMan facilitator

The number of challenges that men face in their daily lives is immense. Not only do they face the external pressures of family, job, and home, but also the internal pressures of anger, pride, and sexual temptation. As Peter warned his fellow brothers in Christ: "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

Satan continually attempts to destroy everything that God has put into our lives. Thankfully, there are ways to cope with these pressures. First and foremost, you must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Only through His redemptive power can you survive and thrive. If Christ is not your personal Savior, seek Him today and He will start your healing process.

Then surround yourself with other godly men who will lift up and strengthen you—men of integrity, character, and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. Men who will pray and lift you up as you, in turn, encourage and support them. And most importantly, men who will hold you accountable to your actions and words. It is this step of deliberate accountability that will help motivate you to stay on God's path for your life.

At Stonebriar, groups of four to ten men meet on a regular basis to support, mentor, protect, pray for, and encourage each other. These IronMan groups study God's Word as well as read and discuss books written to strengthen men's lives. They openly discuss challenges and hold to a commitment of confidentiality. Through these times together, new friendships are established that usually don't happen just on Sunday mornings.

If you want other men to share your trials, help ease your burdens, encourage your walk, and help you be a better man, take the first step to be deliberately accountable and join an IronMan group. Find a group in your area.

Would you like to partner with us in facilitating a small group for men? Training will be held April 11, 18, and 25. Fill out an IronMan Facilitator Training Application at the Information Desk on Sunday mornings and return it to the church office by Monday, March 29.