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Much has been written on this ministry about the "gospel shoes", this third piece of armour we are advised to don in Eph. 6: "...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Vs. 15 NIV); yet God continues to reveal to me that I'm missing the boat when it comes to those protective shoes of peace...
Last Saturday, I told the story of how I was struggling with a moral dilemma in regards to the sale of my Mazda, and I am so happy to say that by the grace of God, I did honour my promise to this young man. When He didn't get back to me, however, what was I to do? Should I assume this person was no longer interested and contact the other party? Should I just trade the vehicle in and be done with it? Should I...
After much prayer, my husband and I decided we would not trade the vehicle in. When we made that final decision, we could no longer change our minds; but when the man still hadn't gotten back to me several hours later, the worry crept in. I was not at peace! And as a result, I spent a sleepless night with all the "what-ifs" charging around my mind.
That's when God gave me the image of the boots. I saw them in my mind sitting neatly beside my bed. Their soles were special. They looked airy and light, like some kind of impenetrable bubblewrap. It was so inviting that I wondered what was stopping me from putting them on. Apparently God was wondering that too. I could feel Him staring at me with that knowing smile... I knew instantly what
was going on: God was reminding me that I had forgotten to fit my feet with the "readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."!
I decided to put them on. I wrapped up the car sale problem in a visualized blanket and "handed" the whole thing to Him.
When I came downstairs and checked my computer in the morning, there was a note for the gentleman with the proposed time he would come to look at and test drive the car.
No, all the "i"s weren't dotted and all the "t"s weren't crossed, but I felt at peace. And why not? I chose to put on those boots, didn't I?
Wait. You are not seeing the connection?
It goes like this: When we choose to give God our problems, we have access to God's peace. But we have to put them on. We have to accept that peace! And then this peace becomes like a pair of sturdy boots on our feet, providing protection and readiness to fight whatever spiritual battle is upcoming. When I refused God's peace about the car situation, I was left completely vulnerable and unable to engage in spiritual warfare against the demons of worry; and the result was a missed night's sleep. Wouldn't it have been better to accept God's peace about the situation?
Whatever it is you are struggling with at the moment, surrender it to God, and then accept His peace. For when you do, your feet will stand, ready to fight off whatever demons of worry and stress come our way!
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart
Moderator, Associate Director, Answers2Prayer Ministries
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