A Leg to Stand On

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...

Ephesians 6:13-18 NKJV

We're in the second week of the Advent season and focused on being prepared. Our Promise for Today is a favorite passage, fully defining what we need to fight in life's battles. One can possess all the latest and greatest weaponry, and still lose if one doesn't have the proper covering and support on one's feet. Can you imagine running into a battle in your bare feet?!?

Everyone knows in the day-to-day mechanics of working that if your feet hurt, you're pretty much finished for the day. If you step on something or get a splinter or stub your toe... it affects your whole body. If you hunt and your feet get cold, it affects your whole body.

I believe it's crucial to acknowledge that Paul recognizes the importance of the proper footwear for battle. For while we are called to fight the good fight of faith, Romans 12:18 instructs us, If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. And the only way to do that is by making sure our feet are shod with the preparation of the good news of peace. The very peace that Christ promised in John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Otherwise, our feet will be cut out from underneath us and we won't have a leg to stand on.

Prayer:

Father,

           We add our voices to this prayer uttered in the eleventh century, O Lord, look mercifully on us, and grant that we may choose the way of peace. Rescue us from the captivity of the sins which have oppressed us, that we may attain the dwellings of the heavenly Jerusalem; through Jesus Christ. Amen.