Many of us installed outlet covers to protect our kids from an unpleasant shock when they were young. Physical protection is part of what we do as dads, but we are also called to provide spiritual protection.

Ephesians 6:13 reminds us that the greatest battles aren’t just physical, but spiritual. Paul calls us to prepare before the battle comes so we can lead our families well.

#1 Prepare before the battle. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God…” Paul doesn’t tell us to wait until we’re attacked to put on God’s armor. Spiritual prep starts BEFORE the crisis. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Spend time in God’s Word, pray up before reacting, build relationships with godly men, and create healthy boundaries that protect your marriage. Like a soldier training BEFORE battle, the godly dad preps long before a problem arises.

#2 Expect difficult days. “…that you may be able to withstand in the evil day…” Paul assumes there’ll be an “evil day,” a time when temptation and discouragement grow, even a time when your family may face unusual stress. These moments aren’t times to fear but reminders to stay spiritually ready.

You’ll face battles you can’t avoid, but you can prepare to meet them with faith instead of fear. The godly dad doesn’t ignore spiritual attacks; he faithfully leads his family to trust the God who is greater than every attack.

#3 Stand firm. “…and having done all, to stand firm.” Paul doesn’t say to conquer every battle or solve every problem. That’s NOT your job. He says, “stand firm.” Your job is to stand in Christ.

There will be days when you’re exhausted and discouraged, but your strength is found in Him, not yourself. If you ground yourself in Him, you become the anchor for your family. Your kids may not remember every answer you give, but they will remember if you were faithful and consistent.

Your Teen’s Identity Is in Christ: The world is already telling your teenager who they are. Here are eight things Scripture says that are worth saying louder.

The Spiritual Defense Every Father Needs: Lawson and I pulled from Scripture, military strategy, and some personal experience this week to talk about how to identify threats, build healthy boundaries, and choose the right influences for your family.

“The mark of spiritual maturity is not how much you understand, but how much you use. In the spiritual realm, the opposite of ignorance is not knowledge but obedience.” —Howard Hendricks

Think about what God has given to you to guard: your heart, your marriage, your children, your schedule, your friendships, and your mind.

Then choose one area that has become weak over time and do one thing to strengthen it this week. Maybe it’s starting each day in the Word before reaching for your phone, reconnecting with an accountability partner, protecting your evenings and weekends for rest, or having that intentional conversation with your older child. Strong spiritual readiness is built one decision at a time.

Also, think about where your family’s biggest spiritual weakness is today, and what you can do this week to strengthen it.

Remember that God doesn’t call you to know everything. He calls you to stand firm in Him.

Kent Evans
Executive Director at Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.