Equipping the Warrior - Leadership Devotional for MenParaugs

 Are You Properly Equipped?

It was a warm, sunny day, so we decided to do something a bit different. My brothers and I decided to go over to the park to play on the tennis courts. We went to the garage to get the rackets and tennis balls.

Upon arriving at the park, since there were three of us, we decided the oldest would play against younger two. My age and size advantage made this a sure win for me. As we grabbed the equipment, I noticed one racket was shorter than the others. At first, I thought the racket was broken but as I looked a bit closer, I realized the shorter racket was also shaped a bit differently. It was a racquetball racket. I shrugged and grabbed it figuring it made no difference. I was bigger and stronger. It was a sure win.

I lobbed the first ball over the net and my youngest brother returned it. I scooted over to the anticipated landing spot and set myself to swing. As the ball approached, I swung as hard as I could. I was going to KILL IT! WHOOSH! I missed! The entire racket missed the ball.

Slowly, and slightly embarrassed, I retrieved the ball and tossed it over the net. BANG! The return came and this time, I would NOT miss! Gripping the racket handle with both hands, I whipped my arms at the ball, this time making contact. But, somehow, the ball didn’t go as far as I thought it would. In fact, it didn’t make it back over the net.

After a few more lobs and fails, I shouted to my brother, “Hey, let me try your racket!”

Once the trade took place, we settled back into our spots and the lob came towards me. I whipped my arms around and watched with excitement as the ball whistled toward the line.

Equipment makes a difference. Imagine a riot officer going into a riot with paper plates he’d fashioned with a handle to look like a shield. We both know how that would end. And yet, quite often we find ourselves in battle, depending on our own strength, as well as our own equipment.

In Ephesians 6:16, it notes the devil’s flaming arrows are extinguished by the shield of faith. Sure, you could probably take a swing at a few arrows with a sword. But, you’d undoubtedly miss a few not to mention the arm fatigue you would experience. The equipment makes a difference. 

So, the question becomes: Are you properly equipped for your particular battle? Are you using Dad equipment in your role as a husband? Are you using Boss equipment in your role as a dad?

Take a step back to check your equipment.