WHAT KIND OF SPIRITUAL SHOES DO YOU WEAR?

           

God’s armor includes combat boots. As Christian soldiers in the battle against sin, the world, and the devil, we put on many miles. That is why we need durable, protective foot wear that gives us firm support and balance—the firm foundation of the Gospel of peace. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news … who proclaim peace ….” (Isaiah 52:7)

           

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES  by Sally Bair

Yak Confidence

In most children’s alphabet books about animals, the Y page shows a great, hairy yak. These Asian mammals make excellent pack animals because of their surefootedness over rough terrain.

"YakTrax" is a great product on the market for people like me who are fearful of falling on ice or snow. These ingenious devices slip over one's shoes or boots easily. Their rubberized, flexible frame holds rows of steel rings that grip ice and snow when contact is made. When I wear them, my confidence level soars and I picture myself, like the yak, traversing icy slopes. No longer do I fear walking the slippery driveway or the snow-covered ice on a trail or road.

Confidence can come from many directions. Unfortunately, I tend to depend only on myself too often. If you have a lot of self-confidence, perhaps you can relate to that problem. It truly can be a problem, because sometimes our own confidence and strength—whether physical, moral, emotional, or spiritual—isn't enough to rightly see us through a tough situation. Then where can we place our confidence? 

The world is full of wrong teachings and wrongdoers who would have us depend on and place our confidence in them. The Bible, however, says we should place all our confidence on Jesus Christ. "Have no fear of sudden disaster…for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." (Proverbs 3:25-26) 

Since we humans tend to slip and fall easily on our walk through life, how good it is to know we have a sure confidence in the Lord. The Psalmist, David, wrote that the Sovereign Lord has been his confidence since youth. And the apostle Paul, in his letter about putting on God's armor so we can withstand the attacks of Satan, includes foot protection. “Stand therefore, having … shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace,” Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:15. God means that the Gospel must be our firm foundation.

We all need firm support under our feet as we stand our ground against any problem. Like the yak's surefooted hooves, our spiritual feet can take us over the rough terrains in life when we wear God’s Gospel of Peace. What firmer foundation can we find?

Lord, we thank you for the Gospel of Peace, which keeps us sure-footed against the weapons of the enemy. Help us remember to wear Your armor every day, for we cannot depend on succeeding in our life journey without the confidence You give. In Jesus’ name, amen.