Devotional

Preparing for the Game

Ready 

Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God. — Ephesians 6:11–13

Set 

A college coach once said, “The will to succeed is important, but what’s more important is the will to prepare.” As coaches, we do everything we can to make sure our teams are prepared for the game. We give them training, exercise, motivation, uniforms, and equipment. We want them to succeed and win when they face the opponent. Nothing would be worse than to show up to face an opponent without being prepared.

What about us? Are we preparing ourselves for our battles and struggles? Are we making sure we are getting the training, exercise, motivation, and equipment that we need to wrestle with the spiritual forces we encounter each day? God has given us a uniform (armor) to wear each day. He wants our lives to be prepared with truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, God’s Word, and prayer. We use this equipment to fight against discouragement, pride, and selfishness that we face each day as coaches. Just as we want our teams prepared for the game, God wants us prepared for the game of life. Take time each day to get spiritually dressed and prepared.

Go 

1. How do you prepare yourself spiritually for each day?
2. Are there pieces of your uniform missing? What can you do to build that part of your spiritual life?
3. What specific piece of armor do you need today? Why?

Workout 

Extra Reading: 1 Samuel 17; Ephesians 6:10–20; 1 Timothy 6:12

Overtime 

Lord, help me prepare myself each day to be the coach You have called me to be. I confess that I have not always prepared myself spiritually the way You want me too. Help me to put on Your armor so I may successfully fight the battles that come my way. Amen.

Ministry