Your children will walk into battles you cannot fight for them. The question is what are you doing to make them battle ready?
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God’s Promise:
Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
I’ll never forget the day my kids broke out into song in the middle of the grocery store. They were still small enough to fit into the shopping cart—one perched in the seat, the other nestled inside with the groceries. As I stood there debating between a ribeye and a New York strip, they suddenly started singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Loud. Unashamed. Not a care in the world for who was listening.
It was one of those moments you don’t realize is precious until later. But that day, I felt it. It was a reminder that some battles are won long before we ever step onto the battlefield.
As men, as fathers, as shepherds of our homes, we are not just raising children. We are forging warriors. And warriors must be prepared. Soldiers don’t wait until war breaks out to start training. No, they sharpen their skills daily, learning discipline, strategy, and endurance long before the battle ever comes. That’s what we do as men of faith. We equip. We prepare. We forge.
Jesus knew this well. In Mark 10, as He walked toward Jerusalem, toward His own death, the disciples were confused and afraid. Why was He moving toward the fight rather than away from it? Because He was ready. His mission was clear. He was the ultimate Shepherd, leading His people straight through the valley of death, knowing that victory was already secured.
That’s our role in our families. We don’t shield our children from the world—we prepare them for it. We can’t fight every battle for them, but we can place a sword in their hands. And not just any sword—the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.
When we hold our newborn in our arms for the first time, we aren’t just holding a child. We’re holding raw, unshaped metal. It’s our job to forge it, refine it, and sharpen it. Through prayer, through example, through discipline, through love. Through countless nights of reading the Bible together, answering tough questions, leading in faith rather than fear.
One day, we hand that sword over. Our job shifts from forging to watching, as our children take up their own battles. And one day, God willing, we see them pass it down to their children.
Because our calling as shepherds is not just to raise godly children—it’s to raise godly generations.
And when the battles come—and they will—our children won’t have to fear. Because the Great I Am goes before them.
Today’s “Shepherding in Action” Value:
Preparation: A faithful shepherd trains and equips his family for the battles ahead, knowing that victory belongs to the Lord.
Reflection Questions:
- What are you doing today to sharpen your children’s faith?
- Are you preparing your family with the Word of God, or are you hoping they’ll figure it out on their own?
- How can you personally strengthen your own walk with Christ so that your leadership is stronger?
Bible References:
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- Mark 10:32 – “And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.”
- Ephesians 6:17 – “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Prayer:
Father, help me to shepherd my family well. Strengthen my hands as I forge faith in my children. Give me wisdom to prepare them for the battles ahead, and courage to trust You with their future. May they walk in Your strength, wielding the sword of Your Word with boldness. Amen.
My Personal Journey:
These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus. If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.
To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here.
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