X’s & O’s: Know Your Opponent

“Let him that stole, steal no more.”

Ephesians 4:28

As a high school and college basketball coach, one of my greatest responsibilities was to study the opponent. I had to know their tactics, recognize their tendencies, and expose their weaknesses if we wanted a chance to win. Great teams, organizations, and leaders succeed because they learn to recognize their opposition and find ways to neutralize it. The same principle applies to life and business. Identifying your opponent and understanding how to defeat them is vital to your success.

True Success Begins With Jesus

True success doesn’t start with talent, hustle, or even the perfect game plan. It begins with a relationship with Jesus. That relationship should shape what you do, how you do it, and why you do it. I’ve coached teams that both succeeded and failed. The difference wasn’t always ability; it was commitment to the plan. When players bought in fully, we succeeded. But when even one player refused to commit, it often led to defeat. In life, committing to the plan God has for you is just as critical.

Know Your Real Opponent

The next step to true success is understanding your opponent, the enemy of your soul. The devil’s tactics are subtle but effective:

• Delays in your business designed to frustrate you.

• Conflict with people intended to discourage you.

• Setbacks and distractions meant to push you toward quitting.

But here’s the truth: when you recognize these tactics, you can refuse to give in. If you decide to never quit, you will never lose.

You Already Have What You Need

Each of us has been given a God-given gift that the world needs. The enemy’s strategy is to convince you that you’re unqualified or unequipped, but that’s a lie. You already have what you need to succeed. You’ve been given talent, purpose, and divine favor. And when you align those gifts with God’s plan, nothing the enemy throws at you can stop you.

Final Thought:

The best teams don’t just know their strengths, they know their opponent’s game plan and prepare to overcome it. In the same way, know your true enemy, stay committed to God’s plan, and step confidently into the victory that’s already been secured for you in Christ.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

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