Shoes of Peace

In the Christian’s spiritual battle against the forces of evil, Paul tells us to to stand firm with our feet fitted with readiness– readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace. Roman soldiers at that time were fitted for readiness on the battle with sandals that had soles studded with spikes. Today, athletic shoes are designed to allow us to move adeptly through rough terrain or unstable surfaces. Well-designed shoes can also prevent us from slipping on wet or muddy surfaces. Similarly, the sandals of the Roman soldiers allowed them to move confidently on the battlefield. The spikes on the Roman soldiers’ sandals also protected them from injury. A military tactic of the day was to hide stakes slightly below the surface of the battlefield. Needless to say, stepping on one of those stakes without proper foot armor would essentially cripple a soldier.

If we are to stand our ground against the deceits and schemes of the devil, we must also put on the right armor. No serious athlete competes without donning proper footwear. No serious Christian contending against the spiritual forces of darkness enters into the arena unless their feet are readied with the Gospel of Peace. We must stand grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is our Peace. If our feet have not been prepared for battle by the Gospel of Peace, we will slip in the mud of life, we will fall attempting to climb rocky surfaces ourselves, and we could become permanently disabled if we step into the hidden traps set by evil forces.

Heavenly Father, prepare us for battle with the Gospel of Peace. Tie your belt of truth around us as we study the Bible. Guide our steps as we journey through the rocky terrain of this life. Guard our hearts with your righteousness as we defend against this dark world. Stand us firmly on the works and words of your Son. May we live the Gospel of Peace. May we present your Gospel of Peace to those you place before us. Satan fights on a battlefield of fear, deceit and horrors. We are eternally grateful to you Lord, that you will win this war with the Gospel of Peace.