Ephesians 6-C "The Whole Armor Includes Shoes For Your Feet"

S = 6:10-13, 15 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood… but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having…as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace...”

O = As I read these selected verses from the larger passage, today I am making four simple observations:

(1) In this battle we are instructed not to be personally strong, but to be strong in the Lord and in his might. That means a radical dependence.

(2) Twice we are told to put on “the whole armor of God” which probably indicates that we are prone to leaving something behind.

(3) The foes we fight are not other people, but spiritual forces of wickedness and this requires us to be in full armor.

(4) The element that may be left behind more than any other is our “shoes of readiness” given by the gospel of peace. Our Security is not from our circumstances or the terrain but from the peace of God (lit. the good news of peace). When I might hesitate to respond I remember the good news of peace that I have received and I can move out to share it with others. When fear threatens to overwhelm me, it is my peace with God that gives me the traction to raise the shield of faith over and over again.

A = I need not be anxious or panicky for I am shod in the gospel of peace. I need not hesitate to follow the Lord by waiting for a more opportune time—when things seem more favorable—for I am made ready by the peace of God that passes understanding.  This week I will strap the peace of God on and double-tie the laces. He is in charge, He knows what I will face, and He is the strongest of all—I will stick close to him!

P = O Lord, I seek to stand in you this week. I know that even what little I face this week is stronger than I will ever be on this planet, so I take my refuge in your presence. This armor I am to put on is yours. You have saved me by your blood. You have given me your righteousness and girded me in your truth. Help me to tie my shoes so that a lack of peace might never hinder my readiness to follow you even into the raging battle. I choose to believe that because you are with me, for me, and around me, that I will still be standing when the dust settles.