Ephesians 6:15 …and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
We often hear about the Armor of God and have probably all heard a sermon or two on the various pieces combined to help us defend against spiritual warfare in our lives. But how closely have you looked at individual pieces? Today we examine the 2nd piece of Armor, the feet and the peace that we can experience from them.
Why do we wear shoes? The obvious answer – to protect our feet and allow us to walk farther than if our feet were bare. They provide us with stability and mobility. Some shoes have more purpose than just protection. For example, my daughter has Cerebral Palsy so has to wear special braces and shoes that are designed to help correct her walk and to keep her from stumbling. Some people use special shoes to ease discomfort or to correct things somehow.
Paul draws our attention to the shoes of the Roman soldiers when speaking of equipping our feet. Roman soldiers wore shoes that were heavy duty and studded, designed for traction and endurance. These were called caligae. These heavy-duty sandals were like the boots of today’s soldiers. They kept them from losing their footing in battle and anchored them so that they could stand strong against their opponents. And soldiers properly attired were ready for battle.
We can say the same thing about the Armor of God. We equip our feet to prepare us to stand strong against the attacks of the enemy, to prepare for spiritual warfare. Our feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace, the firm foundation and complete peace that comes from God alone. And this anchors us so that we cannot be shaken by the trials and challenges of life, by doubts and fear, or by temptation. It also prepares us so that we are always ready to share the good news (the Gospel of Christ) with other people, prepared in season and out of season to give an answer when asked about our hope and joy.
The peace we have begins as an inward feeling, a peace deep within us through Jesus and His grace, but grows into something more. It becomes the foundation upon which we stand. His peace becomes our defensive protection. And it spreads to others because our peace and joy are evident for all to see and we are prepared to share it with others.
What about your feet? Are you putting on the proper footwear to step into your day? Are you equipping yourself with feet that are ready to face anything because they are clad in His peace?
After today, you might look at your daily, spiritual footwear differently.
Prayer: Lord, Prepare my feet for battle. Let me equip them with sandals that are blessed by Your peace. Guide my steps as I walk into my day and open doors for me to share Your peace with others. Amen
Be the first to comment