Above the Net - Tennis Tips for Life Uzorak

Know Your Opponent

Knowing your own game is important so you can play to your strengths. Sometimes, you can prepare for your tennis match by studying your opponent, learning their strengths and weaknesses. I always appreciated suggestions from a teammate about an opponent. Having some insight and a strategy in place builds confidence.

Having a plan in place before you play is beneficial.

Every day, before we arise to start the day, we have an opponent armed and ready to take us out. Satan is a crafty strategist, knowing just how to tear us down. His number one objective is to take you out of the game. He’ll do it by whispering words of doubt and despair. Jesus reminds us who we are—wonderfully made, precious in His sight, His child. Satan tries to tell us what we are not. Have you ever heard Satan’s voice before, during, or after a match? He says things like, “you are a loser, you don’t have what it takes, you let everyone down.” Satan says you are a failure. Jesus and God’s word reminds you that you are a winner, always.

Satan also is the author of pride. It’s tempting, after a few good wins, to feel more important than other players not having as much success. Be wary of that. Your teammates and community will respect you more as a player if you exhibit humility.

Satan is the author of disputes between teams. Many of us have been a part of a match where line calls were questioned. Tennis matches can get a bit heated and controversies happen. Sometimes, players on the same team have disagreements. When you are playing or living under your own authority, not submitted to Christ, Satan can sneak in, catch you by surprise, and take you down. Satan loves to fuel tempers rising, language, and behaviors unbecoming to the game of tennis. To combat this, we must be armored up.

Preparing for a battle on the court means putting on the proper shoes, clothes, and gear. In life, we must armor up as it is shared in Ephesians 6:10 “. . . be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then, after the battle you will be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Of course, not every tennis match opponent is an enemy. You have and will have many friendly opponents and fun matches. Enjoy those! Yet, when you do have a trying situation involving a teammate or an opponent, remember Jesus and respond in love, prayer, forgiveness, and blessing. You can offensively take yourself out of Satan’s line of fire and make room for God to handle any person or situation. God promises His help, always.