Offense or Defense

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV)

All of my children were involved in sports, so sports were a big part of our life. As mom, my duty was to wash the uniforms, run to and from practices and change whole schedules in order to have everyone where they were supposed to be. I did not realize until later how much I learned about life during this time.

One of my favorite lessons came as I watched and listened to my husband teach our boys to become good linebackers in football. They were smaller than you would expect for a linebacker, so he went at it a whole different way.

He looked at the schedule and then took them to see a game where the team they were going to face next was playing. He taught them that every running back gives away when they will be carrying the ball and in which direction they are going. He said they will point their toes in that direction or their eyes will automatically look where they are headed. When game time came they went with confidence, already knowing the 'hidden clue' as to who would be the ball carrier. When the teams lined up they looked for that clue and at the snap of the ball headed for the other teams ball carrier. It got to be very exciting and one son even made "All Ohio" defensive back.

I also got excited because I learned if I can spot what any enemy in my life does to tip their hand, I can beat them to the draw. Who would have thought knowing my enemies offensive give-aways was my best defense!

Father, may we truly mature spiritually so as to recognize the tricks of our enemy. May we know You and Your ways which expose so much of his work among us. As I study this Scripture, Father, it is talking about un-forgiveness being one of the things that hinder us. Search our hearts and reveal if we have not forgiven others and ourselves. Thank you for loving us so much.

Shirley Henry