Football players understand the importance of being a shield. Offensive linemen create a moving shield between the running back or receiver who is headed for the end zone. If they block well, the guy with the ball can make it all the way for a touch down.

But what happens if the linemen don’t know they’re needed? What if they get distracted and the defense creams the running back? Or if they decide its their job to become the receiver and they interfere with the play? Without that offensive shield of protection, tragedy strikes and chances of victory decrease.

The same scenario is true in life. When we are taking big steps toward Christ and putting our obedience to the test, we need to call in the offensive lineman on our faith team. We need our shield of prayer warriors, encouragers, and truth speakers. When all we can do is keep our eyes on the end zone, running with all our might, we don’t have the capacity to focus on the potential attackers. We need our people. Our team. Our shield.

Are you going through a season of standing firm and focusing hard?

Have you called in your team?

Do your prayer warriors know the attacks that keep coming?

Have you created a plan to keep moving ahead that includes the whole team?

Chances are that you won’t make it to the end zone without a shield of protection.

Who do you need to call into the game this week?