In battle, as also in any competition, having a firm footing is the key to standing fast against your opponent.
The next piece of your armor that Paul writes about is for your feet. He says, “and having shod the feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace;” What he is referring to is the calig, or sandals, of the Roman soldiers. These were heavy sandals studded with hobnails, to give a secure foothold to the soldier in battle enabling them to stand firm. The idea seems to be that the mind is to be steadied, or kept from fear, doubt, and anxieties by means of the Good News of peace… the truth that we are at peace with God because of Jesus’ completed work of salvation; and understanding that “if God is for us, who can be against us?” So, as the nails in the roman sandal gripped the ground firmly, even when it was sloping or slippery; so the Good News of peace keeps us steadfast and firm…unmovable by temptation, doubt, and fear.
The Gospel is ‘that Christ died for your sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures’ (1 Cor 15:1-4) This will never change.
God loves you… this is always true.
You call on the Name of the Lord, and you will be saved. That is always true.
Your faith is in Jesus Christ and His work of Salvation… no one can take that away from you.
Having chosen to believe God, He declares you justified in His sight and you are at peace with Him. This is an unchangeable truth.
These Gospel truths are like the nails in the roman sandal that keep you steadfast and firm in every confrontation. I pray you do everything possible to keep them firmly planted under you so that you will press on in this life… against every foe.
Choose wisely.
“My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. (for) He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.” (Proverbs 2:1-5, 8)
Praying U choose Christ today
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.
