Shoes

I love to shop for shoes!  It’s one of the few parts of my outfit that cannot possibly make me look fat!

But that’s not why I wear them.

Historically, shoes have been worn for protection.  According to Wikipedia, the foot contains more bones than any other single part of the body and is most vulnerable to environmental hazards such as sharp rocks and hot ground.  Shoes were worn, originally, to keep us safe from injury and protect the sole.

God tells us to “put on” the shoes of peace.  We must choose to put them on.  He wants to protect our soul with His peace, but first, we have to take mental action.  Peace doesn’t always just come to us.  While God can provide it supernaturally in times of crisis, on any other routine day, we must actively choose these shoes.

But what style are they?  Sneakers that lace?  High heeled pumps?  Flip flops? Bunny slippers?

Shoes come in various styles for various needs.  Fashion tells us that we can use shoes as a “pop” of color, a finishing touch or to lengthen the leg.  Often times, they “make” the outfit.

When putting on God’s shoes of peace, we need to choose the right pair for the day ahead.  God says we need to be prepared.  Sometimes it’s the simple prayer of a casual pair of flip flops slipped on an easy Saturday of errands.

But then again, we might need to sit down with our bible and in devotion to God strap into some combat boots and gear up with a stack of memory verse cards that will help us fight our battles of a rough day ahead.

Either way, until we step out of the house in our shoes, no one will ever know we put them on.  The act of wearing our shoes of peace in our daily lives can be an encouragement to others.  When we can walk through our day “unruffled” and go through difficult or uncertain times, the peace of God can be a witness of His Good News.

As we walk around after daily putting on those shoes, we can even wear out and out grow a pair of shoes.  It may be that God grants us a bigger pair that we now need to “break in”.  As we face some new trial or circumstance irritations of life can give us blisters.  But, if we hang in, our shoes will start to mold to our feet and soon be our favorite old pair.

Ephesians 6:11-18 (New Living Translation)

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.