Sloshing Around Walmart

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

Ephesians 6:14-15

I wore my sandals to Walmart again which is not okay when a torrential downpour pops up on the commute. I parked, then held my purse above my head as I ran through dirty puddles toward the entrance, grimacing. My soaked sandals squeaked as I traversed the isles, occasionally scolding myself for wearing the wrong shoes,



The walk out proved less drippy, but the sog in my sandals reminded me of Ephesians 6. The thought occurred to me that I often walk my spiritual journey without the appropriate preparations.


Ephesians instructs me to have ready feet. For what? To share the gospel of peace, a valuable offer in a world of chaos and uncertainty. A few verses later, even more specific instruction says to, "...be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people" (v. 18b).



When is the last time I prayed for someone in need? I mean just stopped and prayed for them in that moment or intentionally encouraged a believer's faith through a trial? Have I ever prayed for someone at Walmart? Do I look for opportunities to encourage the faith of my brothers and sisters?



Yep, I've been wearing the wrong shoes.



Since this sloshing around Walmart incident a few days ago, I've tried putting on the right “shoes” even before I go out, and you know what? I've prayed for people in public places. I've encouraged the spiritual walk of my friends in specific ways. Each time, I've felt the Holy Spirit at work in my interaction and I've walked away more encouraged as a believer.



Turns out wearing the right spiritual shoes isn't just good instruction. It's life giving.





Lord, give me boldness and endurance to keep walking in these shoes and make me continually aware of the chaos and uncertainty around me. Encourage others through your gospel of peace. Amen.