Day 13

Have you ever walked barefoot through the house and stepped on a toy or in a puddle of water and wished you had shoes on? Shoes have two main purposes: they protect your feet and they help propel you forward.

As we consider the simple prayer “Jesus, give me Your Peace,” remember that Ephesians 6:15 tells us that God equips us with the Shoes of Peace. In this context, Paul was comparing various pieces of Roman armor to the weapons God has given us to fight the Good Fight of Faith. When it came to footwear, he used it as a metaphor for Peace. That’s fascinating to me.

Soldiers didn’t have footwear for comfort or style. Their shoes were essential for protection and progress. Imagine trying to navigate rough terrain barefoot—it would be impossible. Shoes were indispensable to the Roman soldier’s ability to take the next step. Similarly, we are agents of God’s Kingdom, and the Peace of God is critical for our advancement.

These shoes had cleats on the soles and also served as a weapon. At close range, the Roman soldier could kick an adversary, knock them down, and trample them underfoot. While this image may be graphic, the Bible instructs us to put the enemy under our feet. God’s Peace is a conquering force, produced in us through the Power of His Holy Spirit.

These shoes were tightly bound to the soldier’s feet, just as God’s Peace is firmly bound to our hearts. As we advance God’s Kingdom, He protects us. His Peace isn’t just passive; it’s active. It enables us to thrive in the face of adversity and continue moving forward in God’s purposes for our lives.

Don’t just view peace as a nice accessory to your life. Look at it as an indispensable part of your progress, a protection for your soul, and an instrument to advance the Good News. The Peace you receive through surrendering your will to God’s Will is more than a sense of well-being. It’s a Powerful Force propelling the Kingdom of God forward. It’s the unique Peace that God grants you—His Peace, not the peace that the world offers.

Just as you wouldn’t go outside without putting on your shoes, don’t leave your prayer time without putting on the Peace of God. Intentionally settle back into His Presence, surrender your will to His, and allow the Holy Spirit to refresh your soul with His Peace.

Questions for Reflection

1. How is the Peace of God different from the peace that the world offers?
2. In what ways can we see God’s Peace being an Active Force, rather than just a calm feeling?
3. What does putting on the “Shoes of Peace” look like for you in a practical sense?