Put it on!

 “Put it on!” Just like the TV commercial my right toes were speaking to me.  I have a recent addition to my “fashionable” wardrobe.  At some point about 4 months ago I broke a bone in my foot.  We had a busy schedule so I limped around for a couple weeks.  Then noticed the swelling so took care to wear the roomier shoes.  My regular doctor appointment was coming the next month so I mentioned it.  X-rays revealed the break and thus, the not so attractive shoe.

 

Not to worry!    I have a plan!

 

I really dislike this shoe.  I am not conscientious about wearing it.  This month’s xray showed only 70-80% healed.  So another month with my unsightly footwear.  Guess the only way the shoe will do its job is to be used!

 

First thing every morning, as soon as my feet hit the floor,  I find my “hope for healing” and get my mismatched shoes on my feet.

 

Put it on reminded me of the times the Bible tells us to put on something.

 

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [Eph 6:13 NIV]

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [Eph 6:14 ESV]

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [Eph 6:15 ESV]

 

Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God so we are able to withstand the schemes of life on the Earth.  The armor won’t do its job, protecting us, if we don’t put it on! It’s my choice to “out on” the equipment God has provided.  Just as my special shoe can’t help me heal laying in my closet.  It needs to be on my foot fulfilling its purpose.

 

I thought I had a plan to deal with my injury.  The doctor told me.  “Wear it as much as possible.”  I chose a loose definition of “as much as possible.”  After 4 months I’m 70-80% healed.

 

Why do I settle for 70-80%? God’s way is 100%, even though it may not be my plan or something I understand.

 

My little search into the use of the Greek word for foot revealed that it was often used in the context of putting one’s foot on the vanquished or in reference to a disciple sitting at the teacher’s feet.

 

I’m ready to vanquish the broken bone so I’ll wear that lovely shoe!  Perhaps my life circumstances will be better dealt with by spending time at The Teacher’s feet learning about that peace that passes all understanding!

 

As I put on my clothes every morning, the Bible tells us to put on our spiritual equipment.  I can plan my physical wardrobe to fit the activities of the day.  God’s  armor works for my benefit every day in all circumstance.  So let’s put it on!

 

Maybe there’s more to learn about the “whole armor of God”.  I could start a fashion trend with mismatched shoes and who knows what a belt of truth would look like in 2023?  I’m going to ponder that!