It’s a great day and time for Friday’s daily devotion. Paul began listing the items of our spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:14, starting with the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. Employing imagery from Roman soldiers’ battle garments, he moves further downward and now focuses on the shoes.
Let’s start our daily devotion with verse 15; Paul says, “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”
Feet Shod
The importance of good footwear to the Roman soldier can’t be overemphasized. To endure long marches, battles, and rough terrain, they had to wear proper shoes. Their sandals were made with strong leather straps and iron nails skillfully anchored in thick soles to give them durability and traction.
Naturally, it’s important how you cover your feet. As your mobility base, they must be protected. They make it possible for you to stand. Spiritually, feet represent your foundation, which is Christ. Also, feet represent being grounded. When you’re grounded in the word, you’re able to stand against the enemy’s attacks. Feet also symbolize our spiritual journey of faith.
In today’s daily devotion, thank God for the solid foundation of faith you have on your Christian journey.
The Preparation
Before a Roman soldier went into battle, preparation was of utmost importance. Soldiers first had to learn to march. They’d march for five hours a day in line and at speed. They learned to be a compact unit that moved in formation. They endured rigorous physical training that included running, swimming, long jumping, high jumping, and carrying heavy packs.
After marching and fitness, they were trained in weaponry. They had to master swords, shields, spears, and pilums, or spears that could cut through armor. Before going to war, they were strong, well-trained, and ready for the battle.
Spiritual Preparedness
In the same regard, you must be spiritually prepared to face the enemy who wages warfare against you.
Hearing the Lord’s marching orders and having a readiness to move when He leads you is part of your preparation. You must prepare by walking by faith and not by sight. Hiding His word in your heart and being a doer adds to your preparedness. Daily prayer and communication with God also prepare you for the battle.
Not just one of these factors, but all of them together make a well-prepared soldier who’s suited and booted, ready to put the devil on the run. In today’s daily devotion, rejoice that you are spiritually prepared to meet the enemy head-on.
Gospel of Peace
The good news is the gospel of peace. We are to be carriers of the gospel. Jesus commissioned us to go and teach all nations. You are to bring the gospel of peace wherever you go. To do that, you must be prepared. In 1 Corinthians 1:21, Paul says God chose the “foolishness” of preaching to save the lost. He asks in Romans 10, “How shall they hear?” without someone to proclaim the gospel.
We walk in peace with God and with man. But you’ll never have peace with Satan. He’s your enemy, so you must exercise your authority over him. Be prepared for spiritual battles with the devil. He fights dirty, but you’ve been prepared to destroy all his tricks and kick him to the outer regions when he attacks you. In today’s daily devotion, thank God for the gospel of peace. It’s the gospel of your salvation.
Final Word
You’re not fully dressed without your shoes. It doesn’t matter how many clothes you have on; your shoes add the finishing touch. Giving you a strong foundation and stability, they help you pace your journey. The journey may get rocky with pitfalls and snares, but you know your foundation is firm and will keep you steady. So march in step with the gospel, carrying it into the fight and wherever you go.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
