If you grew up in my generation then you are familiar with a popular commercial starring Spike Lee for Air Jordan basketball shoes. Michael Jordan was a celebrated basketball star whose ability to soar over his opponents was phenomenal. In the commercial, Spike says that “it’s gotta be the shoes” as he marvels at Jordan’s spectacular ability. You can view the commercial here.
Over the past 90 days, I have faced several challenges. One of my best friends passed away after several years of declining health. She was only 61. There have been some challenges at work that have made me question if it’s the right place and I’ve threatened to throw in the towel several times. Lastly, my father passed away after almost two years of health challenges that have included multiple hospital visits, stays at an assisted living facility, and three different nursing homes. Unfortunately, there’s a whole lot of drama related to the funeral arrangements…another stressor. Whew…are y’all tired yet?
As I prepare for dad’s funeral this week, I felt that I needed the community of corporate worship this Sunday. I arose early. Read my devotional, prayed, showered, dressed, and left home early. I left so early I had time to stop and get my favorite coffee beverage. How about when I returned to my car, it would not start. Really, God? Am I being punked right now?
As I sat in my car sipping my coffee, I started asking God “what lesson are You teaching me”? That’s when God revealed that I needed to open my eyes. The enemy is doing what the enemy does. But God said, “Trust, that I’m doing what I do, too”. Then God reminded me that stuff is going to show up and try to throw me a loop and get me off balance. When you’re off balance, it’s easy to grab for anything to steady you. So my prayer was “God, how do I stay balanced, steady, and focused on you when I’m taking these punches from all sides?” And that’s when he used Spike to remind me…it’s gotta be the shoes.
Ephesians 6:14-15 reads Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. So, what is it about the shoes? The shoes of the Roman soldiers had spiked soles but they were also breathable and made for comfort for marching through all kinds of terrain. Hmmm…spikes. Spikes serve two purposes. One is for offense when you need to stomp on some things and cause destruction. The other is for defense when you need to be planted and undeterred when you’re taking some strikes.
There it is…that’s the lesson. God has prepared a way to stand and to fight. Sometimes we need to take a stand and sometimes we need to fight. Holy discernment tells us which mechanism to enact. Regardless, it’s the shoes that help us to accomplish both.
Let us pray,
God, I thank you for the opportunity to grow in You as we go through things. Continue to show your presence in my life. Remind me to look up when things around are swirling. Gird my feet to stand and take the hits as they come. I praise you for being omnipresent. Amen.
Marva says
Rita, thank you for this message. And I’m sorry to hear about your dad’s transition. Like you, being reminded of “the shoes” God provides us is what I needed today. Often the evil one pulls out all of the stops to knock us off of our game. But knowing how to use those spikes make all of the difference. Let’s pray for each other.