When Things Get Tough, a Strong Man Will Still Lead His Family
- Dr. TJ Klein
- Aug 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Focus Scripture
Joshua 24:15 says, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Thoughts
God calls us to Stand Firm. Life doesn’t wait until you're ready. Trials come suddenly. As men, we carry the weight of being husbands, fathers, providers, protectors—and most of all, spiritual leaders. It’s a high calling, and it gets heavy. But biblical manhood doesn’t disappear in hardship; it rises up in it.
God is looking for men who will lead with faith when it’s hardest—not because they are strong in themselves, but because they lean on Him. Joshua’s conviction was to lead when others fell away. He stood before a divided people and declared, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Not “when it’s easy,” or “as long as others go with us”—but no matter what.
Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and courageous... for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.” This is the heart of a godly man; a steady hand when the winds are raging, a voice of truth when compromise is tempting, and a shelter for his home when the storms hit hard.
Here’s what biblical leadership looks like under pressure:
1. He stands on the Word. Psalm 1:1–3 says, "He is like a tree planted by streams of water..." In the chaos, he returns to Scripture—not his emotions.
2. He loves like Christ. Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church..." Love in hardship means showing up, listening, praying, and laying down pride.
3. He covers his home spiritually. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, "If anyone does not provide... he has denied the faith..." Spiritual provision is just as vital as physical provision.
4. The Godly man teaches through his life. Proverbs 20:7 says, "The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!" Kids won’t remember every lesson you teach, but they’ll never forget the life you lived.
5. He leans on God’s strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." A godly man doesn’t try to carry it all—he brings it to the cross.
A Personal Tribute: My Dad
I can’t talk about this kind of strength without honoring someone who lived it out—my dad, Ted Klein.
Growing up in Flint, Michigan, I saw him lead our family with integrity, consistency, and faith. He wasn't perfect but he was mine. My brother and I had the best dad (my mom loves my dad, and she showed that support, time after time. She was and is his greatest supporter!).
What I didn’t know until years later is that he was doing the same for many of my friends—some of whom didn’t have fathers at home or were struggling to find direction. Some didn't have money, he gave them money. Some did not have direction, he mentored, listened and guided.
He never made a big deal about it. He didn’t seek recognition because I didn't know. But behind the scenes, he was stepping in—mentoring, showing up, listening, and offering the kind of example that changes a young man’s life.
His leadership was loud, at times, but it was loudly effective. His faithfulness still echoes in the lives of people he may never even realize he touched.
Thank you, Dad. You didn’t just teach me how to lead a home. You showed me what it means to lead with integrity.
Closing Prayer
Father God, thank You for the men who have gone before us—who stayed when it was easier to leave, who prayed when it was easier to panic, who sacrificed when it was easier to retreat. Help me become that kind of man. Teach me to lead my home with humility, courage, and faith. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that You are my strength. Raise up more men like Ted Klein—men whose quiet faith leaves a loud legacy.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thought
Tough times don’t erase a man’s calling—they reveal it. If you’re in a storm, don’t give up. Your leadership matters. Your prayers matter. Your presence matters. And your legacy will outlast the pain. Lead well. Stand strong. And say it boldly: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Comments