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“My father has always been my hero,” my cousin said. He began relating this story.

My dad had just retired from his law practice in Peru. He was about to see his dream come true by building a home on the beach.

Since he had saved enough money, his routine was to visit his local bank and withdraw cash to pay the construction crew. But, on his last visit, he arrived home with the cash safely stored in his brief case. As he drew near the front door, he noticed two men racing by on a motorcycle.

As he inserted the key in the front door, he heard a shot. Then a loud, "Your money."

Instantly, he put his plan into action. Rather than go into panic, he pretended to open the door, but instead, he reached in his brief case, pulled out his 48-caliber, spun, and shot the assailants.

They fired three more shots, striking him on various parts of his body. But as he fired his gun, they dashed off in the motorcycle.

Wounded, and about to collapse, he managed to retrieve his cell and call for help. Once in the hospital, he was treated and eventually healed.

My uncle knew that when threatened, he must never panic but remain calm and be quick to defend himself.

God wants us to do the same.

Not to shoot at anyone, but to be quick to defend ourselves when the enemy of our soul comes against us.

That’s why this Father’s Day we can honor God, our heavenly Father, the creator of the universe by putting to use His armor that includes the sword of His Word.

It’s tucked in Ephesians 6:10. His armor fits all sizes and His sword is the spiritual weapon to use when threatened or attacked.

Similar to my uncle’s situation, we have an assailant of evil who tries to catch us off guard and steal our peace, kill our joy and destroy our confidence (John 10:10).

Sadly, today more and more fail to use that sword and thus, become victims of fear, discouragement, hopelessness, anxiety and addictions.

But if they had the Sword of the Word of God tucked in their heart, ready in their minds and be quick to put it to use. They be celebrating with a victory dance.

Here are four ways to reach that triumph:

When fear attacks, you need to be quick to pull out the Word of God that says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).

Should doubt appear, reject it with an immediate bold declaration of the truth, “[Lord] for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." (Psalm 59:16)

When discouragement tries to invade, in an instant, heed the same instruction the Lord gave Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).

If self-pity barges in, declare what Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

My uncle was wounded. And often we may be too. But we’ll never retreat, stay down or never ever be defeated.

A quick access to the sword of the Word of God gives us the alertness to act quickly, the boldness to proceed confidently and the power to recognize victory

Let’s Pray

Lord, on this Father’s Day that we celebrate our earthly fathers, I celebrate You, as my heavenly Father who gave us the way to achieve protection, confidence and victory. In Jesus name.

What weapons of defense do you have ready today?

Additional reading from Focus on the Family: What Father’s Day Means to Me

Janet

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