POSTED: November 1, 2009
Crisis Pastoral Counsel - Jen Miller: 309.712.5149
Counsel by Appointment: jen@sara-ministry.com
Jen Miller serves as Women’s Coach of Second Chance Church;
as an advocate for women, founder of The Sara Ministry, and an ordained, licensed chaplain-minister to the world at large.
This post teaching is by guest writer & teacher,
RANDI SHAFFER, of SCC’s Hannah’s Well Ministry.
Thank you for speaking TRUTH, Randi! You GO, girl!
IF YOU MISSED PREVIOUS POSTS LEADING UP TO THIS ONE IN OUR CONTINUED STUDY, PLEASE SEE THE PAGE LINKS ON THE RIGHT.
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Randi Shaffer –
Part 8: Continuing study of Ephesians 6:13-14
“…and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm…”
Every woman in my life has a “get-ready-to-go” routine. Some commence their routine the night before with a shower, blow-dry, and a ritualistic “laying out” of the clothes (some prepare their clothes days in advance), and some…well, some fly by the seat of their pajama pants every morning.
Yes, there are many variations, but there is one commonality: no matter how much time a woman spends on her hair, makeup, clothes, and jewelry, she is not ready to go until she puts on her shoes. And, for some women, the choosing of the shoes is the most sacred moment of the “get-ready-to-go” routine. There is so much to consider… the weather, the level of comfort needed, the formality of the day, and, of course, the rest of the clothing ensemble.
Still, we can’t go anywhere until we’ve put on our shoes. We aren’t READY until we’ve put on our shoes.
The armor of God includes shoes, too. We’ve already discussed the first two pieces of armor, the “belt of truth” and the “breastplate of righteousness.” Now we begin our discussion of what Paul lists as the third piece of armor:
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” –Ephesians 6:14-15
The Roman soldiers of Paul’s day would have probably worn shoes such as these:
I was surprised to see these shoes… they’re sandals! But, they were strong, well ventilated, and enabled the legionaries to withstand miles of marching. The most interesting parts of these sandals were on the soles: iron “hobnails.” These primitive cleats provided traction and reinforcement for the simple, leather soles, which withstood the wear and tear of the marching of heavy men wearing heavy armor. They were also used as weapons when stomping on the enemy.
These shoes are all about perseverance…not slipping, not falling, pushing forward, not falling apart, and not allowing the enemy to get back up.
Paul says our feet must be “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Interestingly, this is the only place I can find in the Bible that uses this phrase “gospel of peace.” Paul is emphasizing an aspect of the gospel (“good news” or “glad tidings”) that is often overlooked.
The good news of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection is that it brings tranquility to the soul of the believer. The believer can be assured that she is a citizen of a new kingdom—God’s kingdom—which has its own set of laws, rights, and privileges.
In God’s kingdom, every Christ-follower has the right to petition the King, and the King freely gives forgiveness, mercy, and grace.
Our souls’ tranquility from this “blessed assurance” transcends any earthly suffering! It is this assurance, this peace, which enables us to both stand firm and be ready to go! Because of this “gospel of peace” we are ready to march as God’s soldiers, engage in His battle plan, being unafraid of our enemy!
The enemy doesn’t stand a chance against those of us “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” ‘Cause even if the enemy tries to get back up, we have on the right shoes to kick him in the face.
Mirror-Check Time
Are you “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”? Do you embrace the tranquility that comes from knowing you are a citizen of God’s kingdom?
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“GOD makes NO mistakes, NO junk, and NO spare parts, nor is He without a strategic purpose. He made YOU. For a purpose. “
- Jen Miller
