"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, .............with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:13-15
Today's Bible study is part 4 in a series on "Becoming A Christian Soldier." - Now, I have to be very clear - I am NOT talking about becoming a physical soldier and I am NOT saying that you should go out and physically fight (although I appreciate and respect anybody who has served or is serving in our army, navy or air force) - what I'm talking about in this series is on a spiritual level.
Our God is all powerful, all knowing, He is our Protector and Provider - He would never throw us into a battle without fully equipping us first. Today we continue learning about the "full armor of God" and specifically "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."
Have you ever had any medical problems with your feet? I have an extra sesamoid bone in both of my feet - my Podiatrist said that I was born with it. Unfortunately, just this tiny extra bone can cause debilitating symptoms. There is a nerve in that area of the foot and when it becomes inflamed, pain will shoot up my leg to my hip - when this happens I am unable to walk properly. In a few extreme cases I even had pain that went all the way up my spine to my neck - all stemming from my feet. The only thing that has helped me with this problem is orthotics (a thin form that I place in my shoes that fits my feet perfectly) - this prevents that nerve from becoming inflamed. My feet are now "fitted with readiness" - without these I cannot peacefully walk anywhere. The gospel of peace is the orthotic of our spiritual armor.
I'm sure that you've all hear the saying "Walk the walk" or "walk the straight & narrow" - both are sayings that have references to Bible verses. We are to walk in Jesus' footsteps and follow His example striving to become like Christ both in action and in word.
Feet were so important during Biblical times - besides horse drawn chariots and/or travel by mules/camels - the only way to get around was on foot. So, the reference in the Bible verse "feet fitted with readiness" was very valid then, very special attention was paid to the feet. Also, when we look back in recent history during war time the feet were so important - "trench foot" could ruin a soldier's service. During WWI, WWII and the Vietnam War "trench foot" was a serious problem and in extreme cases amputation was necessary due to gangrene. As you can see taking care of our "feet" is important to any soldier - including a Christian Soldier's spiritual feet.
"Peace" can only come from daily study & meditation of God's Word. Specifically I am talking about daily Scripture meditation and constant prayer - this is the only way to the kind of peace that will enable us to be "ready" in any situation.
"Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm." Proverbs 4:26
Feet were so important during Biblical times - besides horse drawn chariots and/or travel by mules/camels - the only way to get around was on foot. So, the reference in the Bible verse "feet fitted with readiness" was very valid then, very special attention was paid to the feet. Also, when we look back in recent history during war time the feet were so important - "trench foot" could ruin a soldier's service. During WWI, WWII and the Vietnam War "trench foot" was a serious problem and in extreme cases amputation was necessary due to gangrene. As you can see taking care of our "feet" is important to any soldier - including a Christian Soldier's spiritual feet.
"Peace" can only come from daily study & meditation of God's Word. Specifically I am talking about daily Scripture meditation and constant prayer - this is the only way to the kind of peace that will enable us to be "ready" in any situation.
Be sure to draw from God - get your strength from the Gospel of peace before you take any step in life.
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