Good Boots
There's few things in life better than a new pair of good boots. The crackling of the tissue paper wedged in the toe box, the fresh smell of the rubber, and the firmness of the leather that you’ll soon wear in. But what makes these boots great isn’t the appearance or aesthetics—it’s the durability, protection, and readiness they’ll provide as they do their job. Whether I'm hunting through rugged terrain, hiking up a mountain, tackling yard work, or preaching to some redneck athletes before a Friday night football game, these boots are prepared to do their job and get me from one place to the next.
In Ephesians 6:15, Paul writes, "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Just like a solid pair of boots, the gospel equips us to move forward in life’s journey with purpose. It’s not just about looking the part; it’s about being prepared—having the peace of Christ grounding us in every step we take. When life’s path gets rough, it's the gospel that provides the foundation, the protection, and the readiness to carry out God’s work. Like boots that protect our feet, the gospel shields our hearts and minds, allowing us to confidently take on whatever lies ahead.
For a soldier, the importance of having sturdy, reliable footwear can’t be overstated. A good pair of boots can mean the difference between victory and defeat, providing the traction, comfort, and support needed to move quickly and with precision. In battle, there's no time for hesitation—readiness is key. Soldiers must be prepared to march long distances, stand firm in defense, and charge forward when the moment calls for it. Just as a soldier needs the right footwear for swift movement in battle, we need the gospel of peace to be spiritually equipped and ready to face life’s challenges, moving swiftly with confidence in God's direction.
The gospel of peace offers the ultimate path to eternal peace with God, and it begins by accepting the good news of Jesus Christ. The first step is to admit that you are a sinner, recognizing that we all fall short of God’s standard and are in need of His grace. Next, believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who lived a sinless life and paid the full penalty for your sin by dying on the cross and rising again. Finally, confess that Jesus is Lord of your life, surrendering your will to His and committing to follow His plan for your life. When you take these three simple steps, you experience true peace with God—both now and for eternity. If you've never taken this step of faith and accepted the Gospel, pray this simple prayer: "Jesus, I'm a sinner, and You're the Savior. Forgive me and welcome me into Your family." If you made that decision today, I would love to talk with you—drop Asaph Talks a message and let's celebrate!
