What are Your Feet Fitted With?

For shoes, put on peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared…
Ephesians 6:15, NLT

I remember running my first 15k race (9.32 miles). I was so excited AND nervous. Because I had never run that far before, I thought I would give my running shoes some “extra” comfort by putting an additional padded insert inside the shoe.

Oh boy, that was the WRONG move.

My feet hurt so badly at the end. I couldn’t feel my toes. I limped all the way home and ended up getting injured. I learned the hard way — shoes are paramount — especially in a long journey.

That brings us to our next piece of armor in Ephesians 6 — feet fitted with the gospel of peace.

Roman soldiers, during Paul’s time, wore shoes called “caligae”. These were heavy military sandals — half boot, half sandal. These sandals were the sign of an equipped soldier and one ready to move.

The openness of the caligae enabled the soldier to wear them all day. They could march, work, or stand in them for hours without any discomfort. It was common that soldiers would march 25 miles. Their feet might hurt, but they would have no blisters. Then attached to bottom of the caligae – thick hobnails, sharp studs. Not only would they protect the soldier’s feet over rough ground, they enabled him to use them in battle to stomp on fallen enemies.

As you can imagine, a soldier’s shoes formed a firm foundation for his military weapons and equipment. Soldiers needed firm footing in order to concentrate on the battle at hand.

We, as believers in God’s army, need that firm footing as well. One of the greatest things Satan wants to destroy in your life is your PEACE. He wants to stir up disagreements, division, disruption — anything that will throw you and your family into a tailspin. He wants you filled with worry and anxiety.

“For shoes, put on peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared” (Ephesians 6:15 NLT).

Look at the word prepared. The Greek word translated is “hetoimos.” It actually occurs several times with the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament) and its implication is to be sure-footed, established — ready to meet any challenge — READY TO GO.

We need to be sure sure-footed, established, grounded, and ready to go with the good news of JESUS.

We live in a time right now, where it seems there is NO peace. Watching the news right now might have you in FEAR. We can get caught up with worry and anxiety with all that’s going on all around us. But if we worry or get anxious, we won’t be effective soldiers.

With the readiness of the gospel of peace, you don’t have to fear any mines on the battlefields. You can advance through tough terrain.

Did you know that the enemies of the Roman Empire would sometimes place sharp, spiked objects on the ground in front of them before a battle? If a soldier was not wearing his proper caligae — he could find himself injured, crippled, or killed. Shoes were vital.

The same is true for us. We MUST fasten our shoes of peace. Satan wants to use every opportunity to litter our path with situations that will break us down. This part of the armor can give us the protection we need to keep moving across the battlefield.

What is throwing off your peace?

Is it a family feud?

Is it job loss?

Is it a betrayal from a friend or a loved one?

Is it difficulties at work?

Is it concerns over what’s going on in our country and world?

Peace grounds us like the Roman soldier’s shoes plow into the ground.

As the Roman soldier trudged miles and miles, know you can confidently stride on a firm foundation because of our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 40:1).

Life is not easy. We must have the right footwear for the journey. Jesus gives us the right shoes to go the distance.

One more important thing to learn from the Roman soldiers. Roman troops advanced in formation — they were TOGETHER. This intimidated the enemy, and often, they would plow right through any threats they faced. In the same way, the church is stronger when we walk TOGETHER – fitted with the shoes of peace. TOGETHER we can help each other, push each other, and encourage one another to remember the peace we have.

Put on your armor.

Strap on the belt of truth — knowing who God is, knowing His Word.

Fasten the Breastplate of righteousness and protect your heart.

And fit your feet with the shoes of peace – knowing we carry the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Jesus we have the victory. No matter what tactics the enemy may throw at us, God has everything under control.

Prayer: Father today we put on the shoes of peace, and pray that they will be firmly grounded in the good news of what Jesus did on the cross. Please help us today to dig deep if the enemy throws anything at us — remind us that You, God, have everything under control. You give us peace – a peace that surpasses all understanding. We thank You, because with You, we have everything we need. The battle seems tough, but Lord we know YOU are greater. Lead us, guide us, and steady us on the path. We ask all these things in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Mighty warrior! I hope this encourages you today. Know YOU have victory in JESUS. As you put on your shoes of peace today, may the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I’m praying for you!

-Christine Batchelder