Shoes of Peace

And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Ephesians 6:15 NKJV

What is the preparation of the gospel? First it is the God’s story of love. The gospel message of how God came to earth, became a man, died on a cross to pay for mankind’s sin and how He gives anyone who believes in Jesus Christ the right to become children of God. It is also our story of how the Lord saved us. It’s our testimony of what God has done to bring us to salvation. We need to prepare our testimony so we will be ready to share it with only a moments notice. Allow me to share my 30 second story as an example:

I used to put on a good front. Everything looked fine on the outside. I was married with one son, had a good job, lived in a nice house, etc. But something wasn’t right inside. I had an emptiness I couldn’t put my finger on. I tried filling it with marriage, family, work, perfectionism, but nothing seemed to work for long. Then one day, I did something I never thought I was capable of. I lost my reputation, integrity, job, and friends. I almost lost my marriage and my son. But then God intervened. My husband took me to church and I began to see how my sin was exactly what I needed in order to recognize I was not perfect and needed a Savior. Since then God restored my heart, marriage, reputation, provided me another job and blessed us with another son.

Can you tell your 30 second story of salvation? If not, put some effort into it. How the Lord saved you is worth telling others. You never know how your story may affect those around you. Your story may be just what a person needed to hear to cross the line and step into faith in Jesus Christ.

Why would Paul tells us to put our testimony on our feet? It is not literal here but figurative. Your story goes with you where ever you may be. Your feet carry you places. Therefore, your testimony, the preparation of the gospel, goes where you go. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who askes why you have this hope (1 Peter 3:15).

Lord, thank you for your saving grace. Help us share how your love has changed us. Enable us to carry your gospel of peace to the ends of the earth until everyone has heard about your glorious love. In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.