How strong is your foundation?

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  Matthew 7:25

One of the offensive linemen came by to see me today and asked me to help change the spikes on his cleats. The cleats have seven screw-on spikes that can be replaced, but he had worn his down so far, I could not remove them. Of course I was angry that he had not taken care of something that although small and unseen by the spectators is critical to his and our success. And I pinched my hand with the pliers, so I was real upset. For an offensive lineman the spikes on his shoes are very important for his job each day but especially on Friday night. To execute a block and move a defensive player he must have good spikes and each of the seven must be in solid contact with the ground. If one is missing he may lose the leverage and push he needs to move his opponent. Also, if he leans forward while blocking, only using the front 3 or 4 spikes, the ground will give away and he will usually fall on his face. I am constantly telling my guys at practice to “get all your spikes in the ground”. He has to have a firm foundation to keep pushing, remain balanced, and to be successful.

What can the seven spikes on the cleats stand for? I hope mine stand for Faith in Christ, Hope in His promises, Love He has for me regardless, Joy that He gives me even during difficult times, Goodness that He shows me each day, the Strength He gives me to stand up against Satan, and the Prayer I can use to speak to Him each day. They can also stand for my wife, my son, my daughter, my parents, and maybe even my in-laws!  At work they could be the men I coach alongside each day or the teachers I work with throughout the school year. The people who believe in me and keep me strong. I began thinking, am I someone’s spike? Am I a small piece of what keeps them firmly on the ground, pushing? 

Sometimes, just like the spikes on a player’s cleats, they become wore down to a point that the strong foundation develops a weak point. That spike must be restored and strengthened back to where God can use it along with the others.

Ask yourself a few questions today:
What do your seven “spikes” stand for?
Which one needs strengthening?
Are all seven firmly on the ground?
What gives you strength to stand and keep pushing?
Are you someone’s spike? 

Ask God today to show you the weak point in your foundation, to restore those weak points to full strength, and to use you to be a firm foundation for someone in your life.  

Chad