“On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.” — Ephesians 6:15 (NCV)
Lace Up
If you’re a sports fan in America (or globally), I’d assume the name Michael Jordan rings a bell. ESPN recently released a 10-part docuseries that highlighted Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls and spotlighted various phases in his iconic basketball career. In one episode, MJ wore 14-year-old “Chicago” Air Jordan 1’s in his last game at Madison Square Garden. Jordan dropped 42 points that game; however, because his shoes were too small, his feet bled all game.
My athleticism pales in comparison to MJ’s. However, I have had the dilemma of shoes causing major discomfort — for example, breaking in new cleats for a season. That’s an uphill climb, and calls for multiple band-aids. Off the field, shoes with a heel … forget about it. The amount of time I can spend walking with my heel lifted from the ground is slim to none. The size, type, model and making of each shoe determines how long each shoe can be worn comfortably.
When in the market for shoes, I’m going to shop with the intention of finding a pair that secures the well-being of my feet. Scripture says that in order to stand on a strong platform, we must put on the Good News of peace.
Through Jesus Christ, the Good News, we find salvation and transformation. If we believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved. Thankfully, because God sent His one and only Son to save the world, we are able to have a relationship with God. Peace is a result of this relationship. When we align our mind, body and soul with God, we put on the shoes of peace.
One way to seek alignment with God is to read His Word, the Bible. “There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of Your Word, and they will never be offended” (Psalm 119:165, TPT).
Another avenue is to spend time with God, otherwise known as prayer. “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NCV).
Author Priscilla Shirer wrote, “Anywhere peace is lacking, the enemy is at work.” That doesn’t mean we are going to live non-chaotic lives. It means that regardless of the circumstances, we are able to have a calm spirit when we open ourselves to the peace of God.
Shoes can make or break an outfit. My desire is to wear a shoe with the correct foundation, one that will endure life’s hurdles. What areas of your life are lacking God’s peaceful presence? Ask Him to provide peace in those areas, and lace up with a confidence that He is with you every step of the way.
— Karlie Smith
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