Stretched rigid in push-up position on the rain-soaked grass, two determined young men struggled to outlast the other. While over 40 began, only these two still held out for the longest plank.

Several minutes later, one dropped. Seconds after, the winner hit the ground, having remained in position for 22 minutes and 17 seconds.

Like the others at Mighty Men Camp 2019, these two young men heard challenging messages, enjoyed manly conversations, experienced the camaraderie of teamwork, and stretched themselves to the limit.

7 Lessons From Mighty Men Camp 2019

Last year, my younger brother Denver felt the time was right to pursue a dream he’d had for a long time, a camp to stretch young men and show them what true manhood is all about.

I, my brother Mitchell, and my brother-in-law Charlie assisted Denver in leading the camp. Initially, I thought I was there just to lead; soon, I realized that I was actually there to learn.

Today, I’ll share with you the seven greatest lessons I learned at Mighty Men Camp 2019.

1. Life Is An Epic Battle

In the words of Charles Spurgeon, “In ever believer’s heart there is a constant struggle between the old nature and the new… These two opposing natures will never cease to struggle so long as we are in this world.”

Life is not a playground, as some would have us believe. A great battle is being fought in every one of our lives, as part of the larger spiritual conflict. The biggest battle, however, is within.

Galatians 5:17 describes the two opposing forces in this battle saying, “The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh.”

2. Self, The Enemy, Will Never Choose What Is Right

“Follow your heart” sounds appealing, but is it biblical? In reality, what we feel like doing is rarely right.

For myself, Mighty Men Camp showed me that I must discipline myself to continually say “no” to my flesh. My flesh will never “feel like” fasting, meditating on scripture, exercising, witnessing, thinking pure thoughts, and obediently following Christ.

Romans 8:13 encourages us that the Holy Spirit has given us all we need to win. “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:13).

In our quiet time, thoughts, and daily activities, are we feeding the the flesh or the Spirit? Remember, whichever you feed most will win every single time.

3. God Works Through Suffering

At Mighty Men Camp, my father-in-law pointed out, “God’s currency is suffering. That’s the only way we grow.”

No athlete grows conditioned while sitting on the couch. Similarly, no Christian grows spiritually without hardship.

No pain. No gain.

The last morning workout was by far the most stretching one of all. Though not always enjoyable in the moment, at the end, it was worth it.

4. God Uses Teams

Jesus Christ used twelve to change the world. George Washington had his indispensable men. William Wilberforce and the Clapham Sect successfully abolished slavery in Great Britain.

In one of the messages, my brother Denver drew powerful life lessons from David’s Mighty Men. For these warriors, teamwork was the secret.

Throughout the camp, we completed a relay race, played four-way capture the flag, built human pyramids, and climbed giant ladder that was only possible for with two guys helping each other. These activities reinforced an important truth: no man is an island.

5. Life’s Greatest Battles Are Waged In Private

Someone once said, “Reputation is what you are in a crowd; character is what you are when no one’s around.

Only God knows the true state of your walk with Him. Only God knows the thoughts you think. Only God knows your hidden sins.

No one but God sees what happens in private. But ultimately, everyone sees the results.

6. Victory Is Impossible Without The Holy Spirit

David’s Mighty Men accomplished the impossible. How do you kill a lion in a pit on a snowy day? How do you single-handedly kill 300 Philistines at once? Only through the power of God.

God has called us to do things not possible on our own. Why? So that we would rely on Him.

Victory begins with humility and dependence on God. “For with God, nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37).

7. Real Growth Does Not Occur Overnight

While salvation occurs in one instant, sanctification takes a lifetime.

Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Christ said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

Lasting growth requires a long-term perspective and commitment. Good habits bring temporary discomfort and lasting satisfaction. In contrast, bad habits bring temporary pleasure, and lasting discomfort. 

The Power of Christ

The Christian life not easy, but it’s supremely worthwhile. If you know Christ as Savior, His Spirit resides within you, giving you the strength you need.

May we all rise up as mighty men and women for God’s kingdom, putting on the armor of Christ, and fighting the enemy by the power of God. Together, we will be amazed at what God will do when we surrender to Him.