Ephesians 6:16–17 reminds us that the battle isn’t won by trying harder, but by having a strategy for fighting every single day. Let’s unpack three things that create your strategy.

#1 What you believe. “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith…” (Eph. 6:16a). Don’t believe the lies. Faith isn’t pretending everything is okay. It’s believing God when things and people around you say something different. The shield Paul mentions wasn’t small; it protected the whole soldier. That’s the kind of protection God gives the man who trusts Him.

As a dad, you’ll tell yourself lies like, You’re failing. You’re not enough. You’ll never change. Don’t believe those lies. Pick up your shield. God’s truth is stronger than any lie from the enemy.

#2 Who you are. “[A]nd take the helmet of salvation…” (Eph. 6:17a). Remember who you are. The enemy loves to attack your thoughts and mind first. He whispers that your past is all you’ll ever be or that you’re not cut out to be a dad. To this, Paul says to put on the helmet of salvation.

Your confidence doesn’t come from being perfect or having a few good moments, but from belonging to Jesus. God says you are forgiven, redeemed, and loved. Don’t let the enemy get in your head. Remember who you are in Christ, and lead your family from that confidence.

#3 What you say. “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Eph. 6:17b). Go on the offensive. God didn’t leave you defenseless. He put His Word in your hands as a weapon for the fight. The sword is an offensive weapon. Jesus answered every temptation with Scripture. You can tap into that same power.

When God’s truth fills your heart and comes outta your mouth, it’s powerful. Speak God’s Word to yourself, your kids, your wife, and to those around you. The dad who knows and speaks God’s Word is ready for any battle.

6 Key Bible Verses About Identity: Without realizing it, we can tie our identity to what we do, what others say about us, and what we have achieved. The problem is that none of that lasts. Here’s what the Bible says about your identity.

1 Timothy for Dads – Week 1: Lawson and I are spending the next six weeks in 1 Timothy. This week we started with the foundation: why love, not perfection, is the goal of biblical leadership.

“The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground.” —Warren W. Wiersbe

Get ready for the battle before it begins. Start tomorrow morning by thanking God and reminding yourself of who you are in Christ and preaching the gospel to yourself before the day gets busy.

Lift the shield of faith, put on the helmet of salvation, and speak God’s truth so it shapes you and those around you. The godly dad isn’t the one who relies on himself; he’s the one who relies on God every single day.

Take some time to reflect on where you’re the most vulnerable right now, whether that be in trusting God, remembering who you are in Christ, or living by His Word.

Always remember that you can’t stand strong by trying harder. You stand strong by trusting Jesus, remembering who you are in Him, and living by His Word.

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.