The Journey Begins: Becoming the Person God Designed You to Be
By Eduardo Quintana | Manly Training
When I was a teenager, Friday nights were everything.
The weekend meant freedom—no school, no teachers—just time to hang out with friends and figure out who I was. But weekends were also when most bad decisions got made. It’s easy to get lost in the moment when you’re young, and before you know it, the choices you make start shaping your future.
That’s why we’re launching a 52-week journey for teens here at Manly Training. It’s about discovering who you are, who you’re becoming, and how faith can anchor you when everything else feels unstable.
Our first lesson begins with a young man named Timothy.
A Teen with a Mission
Timothy wasn’t anyone’s idea of a hero. He was young, inexperienced, and probably nervous. But when the Apostle Paul met him, something stood out. Paul saw beyond Timothy’s age and noticed his character—his humility, discipline, and heart for God.
In one of his letters, Paul wrote something that would change Timothy’s life forever:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young,
but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12
That’s a bold challenge. Paul didn’t say, “Wait until you’re older.”
He said, “Lead now. Start today. Be the example others need to see.”
You Don’t Have to Wait to Grow Up
So many teens believe they have to wait until adulthood to do something meaningful.
“When I graduate…”
“When I get a job…”
“When life gets serious…”
But here’s the truth: life is already serious.
The habits you form now—the words you say, the friends you choose, the way you handle pressure—are shaping who you’ll become tomorrow.
Timothy wasn’t perfect, but he was willing. And that’s what God uses.
Courage doesn’t mean you have no fear—it means you do what’s right despite fear.
Discipline doesn’t mean you never fail—it means you get up every time you do.
Quiet Strength Starts Small
Strength isn’t about shouting louder or proving your worth.
It’s about mastering your impulses, staying calm when others lose control, and choosing to do the hard thing instead of the easy one.
That’s what separates the crowd from the leaders.
It’s what separates the loud from the strong.
And it’s the kind of strength we’ll explore in this 52-week journey—through stories of teens and young adults from the Bible and history who faced real challenges and grew stronger because of them.
Set the Example
If Paul were writing that same letter today, it might sound like this:
“Don’t let anyone tell you you’re too young, too weak, or too late.
Show them what faith looks like by how you live, speak, and love.”
So, here’s your challenge for this week:
Pick one area—your speech, conduct, love, faith, or purity—and lead by example.
Maybe that means:
- Speaking life instead of sarcasm.
- Following through when no one’s watching.
- Showing kindness to someone who doesn’t deserve it.
- Trusting God when life feels uncertain.
- Setting a boundary to protect your heart and focus.
Whatever it is, write it down. Start small. Stay consistent. Strength builds one choice at a time.
The Journey Ahead
This year-long series is for every teen who wants to live with purpose—not perfection, but progress. We’ll meet teens from the Bible and from history—some who got it right, and others who learned the hard way. Their stories will remind you that every choice, every struggle, and every moment can shape your destiny.
And maybe, by the end of these 52 weeks, you’ll look back and realize something powerful:
You didn’t just grow older—you grew stronger.
So grab your notebook. Open your heart.
The journey begins now.
🕊 From the Archives — Originally published on ManlyTraining.com, reworked for today.
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🔹 Author Bio / Tagline Paragraph
Eduardo Quintana is the founder of Manly Training, a faith-based movement dedicated to building strong men, strengthening families, and inspiring the next generation to live with courage, conviction, and Christ-centered leadership. Through practical teachings, discipleship studies, and biblical wisdom, Eduardo helps men and families grow in faith and purpose every day.
Eduardo Quintana
Founder of Manly Training
Building Men. Strengthening Families. Inspiring Faith.
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Written by Eduardo Quintana. For permissions, contact manlytraining@gmail.com
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