Striding into Home Depot last week in my work boots, I realized that I would never be able to gracefully glide anywhere in them, even if they are pink!
They may have seen cleaner days, but they are made for purposeful walking and working in style.
At the same time I imagine them telling the world for me, “I’m a strong, independent woman, and I can do this myself, thank you very much!” or “Don’t mess with me, I’m a tough cookie!”
Like when I climbed to stand atop a lopped-off tree trunk a few years ago . . .
(Another post featuring my stylish boots)
The way these boots affect my stride adds to their message. They mean business. No one can sashay anywhere in work boots, and they’re not built for the dance floor, either.
What are you wearing on your feet?
Our footwear affects our walk. Paul instructed the Ephesians to wear the full armor of God, which included the proper footwear.
…as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:15 ESV
When I put on my work boots, I’m getting ready for business. When I put on my hiking boots, I’m getting ready for a walk in the woods. When I put on my sneakers, I’m getting ready to work out.
When we put on “the readiness given by the gospel of peace,” we’re preparing to stand.
To hold steady against any winds of fear or doubt Satan blows our way.
To be firmly planted in the knowledge that we are at peace with God because of what Christ has done for us.
Take a look at all of the standing mentioned in this passage:
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 rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, 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 fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Ephesians 6:10-18a
Confident Peace
Spiritually standing firm affects our spiritual walk. As our understanding of the depth of our peace with God grows, so does our internal peace and wholeness. We grow to be more confident in God’s love and care, learning to trust him with our worries and fears. We come to understand how temporary everything in this life is, while the value we place in eternal matters continually increases.
In turn, our spiritual walk affects how we carry ourselves around others. You can identify a confident person in any crowd simply by watching the way they walk!
Carrying Peace
Living in confidence of our peace with God will lead us to live at peace with others. There’s no need to scramble or squabble for what we think we need when we know God’s plan for us goes beyond our understanding and his purposes will be fulfilled!
There’s a recognizable difference between posers and truly confident people. We can’t simply make up our minds to live at peace with everyone without being at peace with God and at peace within ourselves. We need the inner foundational work before the outer relational work, and we need the help of the Holy Spirit!
I encourage you to take some time today to really soak in these truths, letting the Spirit increase your confidence in the peace of God:
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NLT).
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT).
“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV).
“But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace” (Romans 8:6 NLT).
Filled with confidence in your position of peace with God, go out and be at peace with others in the power he provides!
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18 NLT).
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:3 NLT).
Before you go anywhere today, put on your shoes!
Lauri Hawley 