Wear the Right Shoes

“For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” Ephesians 6:15 NLT

In a timely article titled “Benefits of running in the cold outweigh warm weather running,” published on Tuesday, the writer shared various reasons why heading outside for runs during the winter was a good idea. After detailing the various mental (I can vouch that it’s great for SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder) and physical benefits, Tracy Zaslow, primary care sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, stressed that preparation and the right gear was the key to staying safe and warm. Footwear is perhaps the most important piece of equipment for runners. Regular running shoes are fine in the cold if snow and ice aren’t a factor, but they likely won’t cut it in more slippery conditions. For temperatures that are below freezing or anytime there’s ice on the ground, Zaslow recommends a more grippy running shoe or even a traction device such as crampons that can be attached to the shoes.”

And you know, when it comes to having the proper gear to battle the spiritual elements we will (not a matter of if but when) face each day, the Bible tells us to put on the full armor of God and says that for footwear, we are to “put on the peace that comes from the Good News” so that we will be fully prepared to make our stand against the enemy. You see, without shoes or with the wrong ones, you and I would be limited to where we could go. But when our feet are shod with the gospel of peace, which serves as our traction to allow us to grip the ground without slipping, we can courageously and confidently go anywhere the Lord leads us, throughly convinced that we are not alone. 

So be sure to put on the full armor of God each and every day my friend, so that you be fully equipped to fight the battles each day will hold. And remember.. the belt of Truth must always go on first because every other weapon hinges upon it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us everything we need to battle the enemy. Help us to remember that our adversary will never stop pursuing us, especially when we are fully surrendered to You. Which means we must read the Bible each and every day. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!