What do our Gospel Shoes look like, really look like?

We can come under the impression that our Gospel shoes should look like this…

They look so nice, perfect, untarnished and so church. We can only sit in these shoes, sit clean and shiny.  We will not get far in these shoes.

Our verse tells us that we must be ready… and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15

Let’s put on what I imagine would look like our Gospel shoes…

Worn, comfortable, ready shoes.   Ready with the Gospel of Jesus.

How do we make ourselves ready with the Gospel?

We read it

We think about it

We read it again, slow

We let it sink in, into our heart and mind

We listen to it and let it settle in our souls

We believe it and trust in its truth

We let it stir in us, until we are about to burst

We can’t help but to share it

Then we burst, we share it, with any and all who will listen

Our shoes become worn and comfy, our favorite pair.  We love to slip them on, they bring us peace.  They remind us of our Savior and our Salvation.

We live in a world, searching and longing for peace.

One definition of peace is this…freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, and obsession

I am raising my hand high, oh how I want freedom from these things.  Sometimes I feel like I am the Queen of annoyance, distraction and anxiety.  Once my mind starts whirling, it is hard to make it stop.

Jesus himself made this promise, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”  John 16: 31-33 MSG

Jesus was abandoned by his friends.  They left him when he needed them most.  He knew one thing above all else, His Father was with him. He chose to find peace in that.  He chose.  Isn’t always just that, a choice.

Those same things will happen to us, we will have trouble in this life.  We can count on it.   There will be days that will feel like we have been abandonded by everyone, that no one stands with us.  In the midst of those days we can choose to know this truth, we have the same Father as Jesus and have the peace that comes with it.

We can slip on our well worn Shoes and remind ourselves of what this Gospel says…we will be unshakeable, assured and deeply at peace.

That makes for some beautiful feet with the power to share…

And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”  Romans 10:15