Pain. We are camping in the wilds, and I have just realized after taking my shoes off at the shower that I’ve left the soap in the tent. Rather than put my shoes on, I hazard the short walk back over the stony ground to the tent. Pain, as the sharp stones make me regret every step. It’s astounding the difference. With shoes, this walk is easy; the stones are hardly noticed. Now every step is painful. Every step a reminder of how foolish I was. In Ephesians, Paul describes a spiritual armour that God offers us. “And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15). The lesson came sharply home. The astounding difference between walking life’s path with all its sharp rocks and difficulties without God or with God’s peace protecting us. The path we walk may not change, but God’s peace shoes will certainly make the difference in how we experience it. Let God give you his Spirit armour, and not only will you walk easier, you will leave a trail of good news. Peace.
