Good Shoes.

They're super important!

I packed my regular walking shoes for our trip to the Big Five parks in Utah. I realized my mistake on the first hike up a ridge to watch the sun rise.

Sand-covered rocks are common on the trails, and I slipped almost immediately. No big deal. I caught myself. Then it happened again, and again, and then I fell. I wasn’t hurt, but I’m of the age where if I slip just right, it could be a bummer.

I was not prepared for this trip. The right shoes are undeniably important.

So we went into town and found a good, grippy pair of hiking shoes. Man, what a difference! I can’t tell you how many times I uttered the phrase, “I love these shoes!”

They really proved their worth when we did an 8-mile hike through two slot canyons—miles of narrow trails with giant boulders to climb over and piles of rocks to maneuver. My shoes saved me from slipping into the depths, and skidding off ledges, and gave me the uncanny ability to scale walls.

This life is full of obstacles, slippery slopes, and narrow pathways.

In Ephesians 6:10-17, Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God. In verse 15, he writes, “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” A note in the Amplified Bible states, “to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news”.

Readiness. Preparation. Knowing the Gospel. Standing firm. Moving with purpose and security.

Being prepared for this sojourn in this world is of utmost importance. The enemy of our souls does not rest, and being ready and firm-footed is essential because we will find ourselves in treacherous situations. This world is full of them.

Just as the right shoes are important for keeping our feet from slipping, knowing and receiving the Gospel of peace will secure our steps in this life as we abide with the One who created the beautiful vistas.