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Beautiful Feet

No matter how the war against rebellion rages, we don’t have to sit helplessly by waiting to see what the outcome will be. We’re in this battle together. Let’s determine to focus our energy on the real enemy, arming ourselves daily with the weapons divinely designed for his defeat. For that purpose, let’s review a familiar battle plan laid out in Ephesians 6:12-18.

“For our struggle,” Paul writes, “is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (verse 12).

Somehow this reminds me of a bumper sticker I once saw: Just because we’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get us. Yes, Scripture makes it clear: we have a very real enemy who is out to get us. But rather than being paranoid, let’s be prepared. I believe Paul begins with this statement because to battle effectively there must be no confusion about who the real enemy is. Especially in the heat of battle, it’s a crucial point. Our child is not our enemy, or our church, or even those who hurt us, whether it’s deliberate or not. Our enemy is Satan, who wants to discourage and defeat us from pursuing God and accomplishing His will. He’ll find ways to come against us physically, mentally and emotionally. At those times we must find a way to protect ourselves spiritually. Not only the lives of our family members depend on it, but also the lives of those we influence through ministry depend on it.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God,” Paul says, “so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (verse 13).

Notice he says “when” the day of evil comes, not “if.” In every life there will be days that seem incredibly diabolic, when we’ve done everything we know to do. Never mind standing our ground—we’re blessed to be standing at all. So how do we stay on our feet? By doing what our mothers always taught us. Before you ever go out the door in the morning, be sure you’re dressed right.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (verse 14).

Can you even imagine being able to sit in armor? Still there’s a distinct difference between standing weak-kneed and wobbly and standing firm. This scripture seems to indicate that the key may be in tightening up that truth belt a notch or two.

Someone once said that truth is always its own best defense. In other words, if we’re on the side of right, we don’t have to worry about what anyone lobs at us. However, in the confusion of battle it’s sometimes possible for the lines to get a little blurry. No proper pastor would deliberately do anything dishonest; but we will all be tempted at some point to compromise for the sake of peace. We have to know how far we can bend without breaking God’s law if we’re to be able to communicate it clearly to our children. Buckle up. Know God’s Word, and wrap it snugly around you. Literally speaking, the belt of truth keeps our spiritual pants up. Then we’re not so apt to stumble on the path of righteousness.

And how do we keep that breastplate of righteousness in place? By checking daily to ensure our relationship with the Lord hasn’t shifted. Should we discover a ding, it’s critical to make immediate repairs. Why? It’s the one piece of armor that guards our heart.

Now that we’re standing firm, Paul draws attention to our feet: “and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (verse 15).

A couple of years ago I was asked to speak for Mother’s Day services at a large local church. Using Proverbs 22:6 as my text, I talked about what I call the “time-released principle” of Christian training, how the “seeds” we plant in our children, like physical seeds, don’t always bloom in the time or way we expect. As an illustration, I made a brief but emotional reference to my own children.

After the service a lady approached me. “I just wanted to tell you,” she said with a shy smile, “that you have beautiful feet.”

I looked down, assuming she was complimenting my shoes. Then she continued. “You know the Scripture that says ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ I really needed some good news today. You gave me hope.” Then she said it again: “You have beautiful feet.”

It was the best compliment I’ve ever received, one I’ll never forget.

No matter what your circumstances, always be ready to carry the gospel of peace to others. From the depth of our own “sole” struggles come the very words that may encourage someone else, even on the days when you must keep reminding yourself to put one beautiful foot in front of the other.

Taken from Prodigal in the Parsonage by Judi Braddy, © 2004 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, Kansas City, MO. Used be permission of publisher. All rights reserved.

JUDI BRADDY is a writer, motivational speaker, licensed minister, pastor’s wife, mom and (very young) grandma. The author of four books--Prodigal in the Parsonage; It All Comes Out in the Wash; True North, and Simple Seasons--Judi has lived through scads of seasons and turned over a number of new leaves.  Basically she and King Solomon have come to the same conclusion—there is a time and season for everything.  Judi and husband, Jim, live in Elk Grove, California. For more information about her writing and speaking, visit her witty website at www.judibraddy.com.

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