It Goes with the Territory (A Word to the Men)

John Young
Jul 1
5 min read

Psalm 37:23 (KJV)

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”

Happy Father’s Day!

Today, we pause to honor and salute every father, grandfather, uncle, godfather, stepfather, mentor, and spiritual father who has made the intentional choice to walk in the steps God has ordered.

This journey called manhood—and this assignment called fatherhood—is not for the faint of heart. It comes with weight. It comes with pressure. It comes with responsibility. But brothers, let me encourage you with this truth: “It goes with the territory.”

When you step into your God-ordained role as a man, you step into the shoes of a provider, protector, leader, lover, giver, warrior, and intercessor. And yes—the challenges, the battles, the burdens—they are confirmation that you are walking in purpose.

A good man loves God. A real man isn’t looking for a woman to fix him; he knows that only God can put him together. And while the culture might discourage discipline and spiritual responsibility, a real man knows—raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord is one of the greatest legacies he can leave.

Let’s be honest—one of the most harmful things you can ever do to a child is deprive them of the opportunity to know Jesus. Yes, you’re busy. Yes, life is demanding. But if you’ve got time for Netflix, Facebook, Instagram, or chasing meaningless pleasures, you’ve got time to bring your children to the house of the Lord.

Let’s be even more real—much of the chaos we see in society today stems from the disconnection between men and their Creator. When Cain disconnected from God, his anger and frustration spilled out onto his brother Abel. Broken men create broken homes. Hurting men hurt others.

So, young men, hear me clearly: Stop chasing a piece and start seeking the Prince of Peace.

A real man holds his family together. He doesn’t let childhood trauma become a lifelong excuse. He doesn’t expect a woman to carry the weight he was built to bear. If a man doesn’t work—a man doesn’t eat.

✔️ Don’t let your bank account look like the last four digits of your social security number with a decimal in the middle.

✔️ Don’t be the man dodging responsibilities, skipping child support, or living off someone else’s couch.

✔️ Don’t be the brother whose only contribution to the community is what’s between his legs.

Be a real man. Pull your pants up. Straighten your back. Hold your head high. Drum up your courage. Put down that blunt. Get your feelings off your sleeves. Heal. Grow. Lead. Love. Provide. Protect. Build.

Be the father figure who gives his sons an example and his daughters a preview of what a real man looks like.

1. Ordered Steps Don’t Mean an Easy Life

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...” (Psalm 37:23)

Brothers, just because your steps are ordered doesn’t mean the journey will be easy.

You will face the pressure of providing in unstable times.
You will carry silent burdens no one sees or understands.
You will wrestle with exhaustion, stress, and anxiety behind closed doors.

But hear this clearly: God knows your steps. He designed the path. He goes with you. Even in the darkest valleys, His presence remains. He honors your effort. He strengthens your hands.

💡 Encouragement: Fatherhood is a divine calling. Being tired doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re fighting.

2. Real Men Walk Through Real Storms

Being a good man doesn’t mean life won’t punch you in the gut. It means you refuse to quit when it does.

You lead through uncertainty.
You love through disappointment.
You protect even when you’re worn out.
You show up even when nobody says, “Thank you.”

Your quiet consistency is a sermon your family will never forget.

💡 Reminder: Your children may not remember every word you speak—but they will never forget how you stood tall when the storm hit.

3. Strength, Struggle, and Sacrifice Go With the Territory

Fathers wear many hats—disciplinarian, encourager, coach, counselor, provider, protector. Most of it happens behind the scenes, unnoticed, uncelebrated.

You fight silent battles no one knows about.
You labor in jobs you don’t love to feed people you do love.
You pray prayers no one hears and cry tears no one sees.

But heaven sees you. God honors you. And everything you go through? It goes with the territory of being the kind of man God can trust.

4. Even When You Fall, God Holds You

“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.” (Psalm 37:24)

You won’t always get it right.

You may stumble in anger.
You may falter in decisions.
You may grow weary, overwhelmed, and fatigued.

But hear this loud and clear: God’s grace is built into the journey. He doesn’t expect perfection. He desires persistence.

💡 Encouragement: Falling doesn’t take you out of God’s plan. When you fall, you fall into His hand.

5. Keep Walking—Your Legacy Is in Your Steps

Fatherhood is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. And the most powerful sermon you will ever preach won’t be with a microphone—it will be with your steps.

Keep walking when you’re tired.
Keep walking when you’re misunderstood.
Keep walking when your bank account is funny.
Keep walking when family mistreats you.
Keep walking when your friends turn their back.
Keep walking when tears are streaming down your face.
Keep walking when you’re fighting battles no one knows about.
Keep walking even when that baby mama misuses your child support but won’t honor your visitation.
Keep walking when church folk smile in your face but wound your heart.

💡 Challenge: Every faithful step today is laying the foundation for your children’s tomorrow. Every time you choose character over comfort… every time you choose integrity over shortcuts… every time you choose love over bitterness… you’re building legacy.

Conclusion: Salute the Men Who Keep Showing Up

To every man reading this… we salute you.

For showing up when it was easier to walk away.
For leading when you felt like breaking.
For loving when it hurt.
For being strong when no one saw your weakness.

You are the example. You are the anchor. You are the foundation.

And all that pressure? All those tears? All those late nights and early mornings?

It goes with the territory.

But let me remind you—favor goes with the territory. Strength goes with the territory. Legacy goes with the territory. Honor goes with the territory. And the blessing of the Lord… it goes with the territory.

I’ll leave you with this: