“…..and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace:” (Eph. 6:15)

This verse is a reference to a similar statement made by the prophet Isaiah. In chapter 52 and verse 6 Isaiah quotes God in reference to the people recognizing him as God. Here is what he said, “Therefore my people shall know my name; therefore in that day I am the one who is speaking. Here I am.” The following verses contain the message God is referring to. Paul uses verse 7 in his letter to the Ephesians.

Isaiah 52:7 “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, and says to Zion, Your God reigns!”

Interesting that part of the armor of God is the message of peace. The Christian soldier wears protection from the enemy’s attacks of evil and discord by having his feet covered in the good news of happiness, peace, and salvation. We are able to defeat Satan by being a walking announcement that God reigns.

Satan is busy bringing sad news, unrest, and death. He does not want us to consider that amid all this destruction he has managed to create that there can be real peace. He wants us upset, afraid, feeling defenseless against all the evil he has scattered on the earth. All around us is violence and evil. Our newscasts and papers tell of one sad, sordid story after another. We are led to believe that Satan is in power and not God.

The Christian cannot go into battle thinking that Satan is in control. The faithful saint must wear shoes that proclaim, “Our God Reigns.” God brings peace in the midst of battle, happiness in the middle of sorrow, salvation in the middle of evil.

The Devil rises up against us, and we must tread the mountains of the earth with shoes of peace, happiness, and salvation. He shouts doom and destruction but the faithful saint, having shod his feet with the gospel of peace shouts back, “No. God reigns and his reign is a reign of salvation.”

Task for Today: Don’t dress without the right shoes. Do not venture into the world of Satan barefooted. Tie on the sandals that proclaim the good news that God reigns and peace, happiness and salvation are provided by the great I am.