Journal Entry ~ 03/25/18

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. - Ephesians 6:14-15

Someone has said, “We pray for easier paths, when we should pray for stronger shoes.” The reality of this world is we are going to encounter heartache and trials, we are going to have to deal with people or situations that hurt or annoy us, we are going to get the wind knocked out of us from time to time. God doesn’t promise us an easy life - in fact, He promises us quite the opposite. If you’ve been a Christian very long, then you should be familiar with John 16:33 - “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."  God isn’t after our happiness, He’s after our perfection, so He will allow these trials into our lives - from the annoying to the deeply painful - to chasten and grow us to be more like Him, to learn to lean on Him, and allow His light to radiate from us to those around us. 

Our shoes are arguably the most important part of our armor. They allow us to walk through these difficult terrains with the peace that comes from having complete confidence in who God is and what He has done for us. The God of the universe has laid down His life so that you could live - there should be no doubt He loves you and is invested in your life. If He worked things out for your ultimate good, you can trust that He’s working that trial our for your good as well. He didn’t save you to let you walk off a cliff. He’s got this. 

To be able to walk the terrain in front of us, we can’t put on those frilly shoes and we can’t put on the cheap ones easier. Our shoes cannot be fragile, they must be rugged. The shoes we put on are heavy duty work boots that can take a beating and not quit. In other words, we need to have His truths stored firmly in our hearts if His peace is going to last through the difficult days. We can’t be lightweight about our dedication to storing His truths, we cannot be questionable in our understanding, or our shoes are going to quit. We’ll be left with holes in our shoes, and feet bare to feel the pain of our trials. 

We should be praying for stronger shoes, not easier paths. It is through those paths that He is strengthening you. Put those shoes of peace on and walk with out there with the peace that can only come from a confidence in the Savior of the world, and don’t hesitate to show off those shoes of peace for others to see. 


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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