The book of Acts tells us that “In the last days, God will pour out His Spirit on all people. Our sons and daughters will prophesy, the young men will see visions, and old men will dream dreams.” I do not know if I am considered as a young man or an old man? But at age 55, I do believe I am qualified to write this blog. Brothers, it is with the love of Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit and fervent prayer that I write to you. We all have a breaking point.
Midlife can be one of those breaking points or unsettling moments in life. Many studies have been conducted and much is written concerning this phase of life. The midlife years can be a time of reminiscence, growth, challenge and delight or a time of pain, desperate searching, regret, and anger. I have come to the conclusion that crisis’s are inescapable in every man’s life.
Jesus said “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (NIV). In fact, statistics show that only a few men experience a midlife crisis, but all men go through a midlife transition, which is a natural progression. Men, we have the choice, will we make it a crisis and struggle through this transition period? Or will we “master the breaking point” (Bishop TD Jakes, 2018) and prosper through a delightful transition?
Deuteronomy 30:19 states “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you, life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (NIV). According to Wright (2011), “The term male midlife crisis literally means changes in a man’s personality. These changes usually occur rapidly and are substantial, thus appearing both dramatic and traumatic. At this time, a man becomes aware of how he is changing physically and mentally, even his values change. For some, the changes are threatening.” (p.137) For a Christian man this presents an opportunity for us to apply our faith and develop further toward maturity. Hence, “mastering the breaking point.” This is not a burn out stage of life, but a time of both harvest and new beginning, a time of restoration and stability.
With the proper diet and moderate exercise, developing a strong spiritual relationship with God through His Holy Spirit and studying His word we should be prepared to live a long, prosperous, and adventurous life. It is God’s “wish above all things that we prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers” (3 John 1:2) (DB). As we develop in wisdom our interpretation of life and its’ events change. The frustration and despair of confronting disappointments and unreached expectations can be shifted to a realistic acceptance as we follow Christ and cast our cares on Him. As we learn from the past, and “master the breaking point” the future can be different. For a man of God these mid-life changes are exciting, prosperous, and fulfilling.
Brothers, regardless if you are considered a young man or an old man, we must master the breaking point in order to train and lead the next generation. “The future is our present for the next generation. It is our duty and our total responsibility to leave a good deed from our gifts. The way we live our present will lead to a good gift or the worst of nightmares for generations to come.”
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
~ Brother David L. Caldwell
Wright, H. N. (2011). The Complete Guide to Crisis & Trauma Counseling. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House
