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 still 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 the 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.
– Ephesians 6:13-17 (New Living Translation)

Having the proper equipment is crucial in sports. Too often when we watch youth sports, we see athletes using the wrong gear. Little leaguers use bats and gloves way too big. Young hoops players shoot balls twice the size they need at goals way too high. Outfitting participants properly for youth football is not a task for the faint of heart. When preparing young athletes, coupling good equipment with proper instruction ultimately leads to the greatest success.

A young David saw his family fighting the Philistine army and knew he needed to act. David had prepared himself for this day through prayer and working in his father’s fields. He’d fought many tough opponents including lions and bears, but Goliath was an animal of a different proportion. Over nine feet tall, he was a man among men who’d never lost a battle. King Saul offered David his armor, but David knew immediately it wasn’t the right fit. So, he grabbed the equipment best suited for him, a sling and five smooth stones. Goliath went down! Proper preparation, proper equipment and God’s direct involvement got the job done! Are you playing with the right equipment in your life? Too often, we try to fight our daily battles with the wrong equipment. We do battle with sin and temptation in our own power or with some “self-help” formula, but in reality, God’s equipment—His word, truth, faith, righteousness, peace and salvation—is all we need to defeat anything life can throw at us. Get geared up!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the lesson of David and Goliath. Teach me that in Your hands, small things become mighty. Help me to understand that in Your armor, the impossible is possible. Amen.