Blocking Your Opponent

Throughout the competition of life, struggles and disappointments will impact your training, your team, and your goals. While each one of these obstacles may be unforeseen, there is one opponent always watching for an opportunity to distract you. He is called the devil, and he is battling against everything you stand for as a Christian—truth, life, and the Ultimate Prize: Christ. Stay focused on winning the gold. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by your well-trained opponent because even he has weaknesses. Make sure that you're at the net ready to block his attacks. Here are a couple of guidelines to help you defeat this powerful opponent.

• Listen to the Words of Your Coach: Only God has defeated your opponent (1 Corinthians 15:55-58). Pay attention to Him as He directs you. He's speaking loudly above the crowd. Are you listening to His voice? Or is it drowned out by the sounds around you—other people, circumstances, your desires? Focus on His Word; it will never lead you astray. Only by trusting and obeying His words will you be able to defend yourself (Proverbs 3:5-7).
• Play as a Team: Remember you're not a single-person team. Just as you are dependent on God and others, there are teammates who also depend on you. Your children look to you for love and attention, your husband for support, and your friends for encouragement. Train yourself to be the best player you can be, but remember that each player has different talents and abilities. Some players are good at passing the volleyball, others do better setting the ball, and still others may perform best when spiking the ball at the net. Together, you make up a complete team. So look at the players around you—they may be your family, other homeschool moms, or even friends at church. Encourage them by your words and actions. Be there when they miss the ball so that your team doesn't lose the rally and give up a point (Galatians 6:1). As you strengthen these relationships on the court, you will be better at blocking your opponent.

Just like the volleyball goes back and forth after each serve, so too can the attacks in spiritual warfare. Learn to crush your opponent by memorizing plays that center on the Word of God (Psalm 119:11). When you make a kill, it will force the devil to rethink his strategy. Work together to cover the positions on the court, but when your opponent discovers those weak areas, don't be discouraged (1 Corinthians 10:13). Remember, you're already on the winning side! Instead, work hard to reinforce those areas so that they can withstand the next attack.

Homeschool mom, are you prepared to face your opponent?

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