Runners, Take Your Mark!

Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 AMP “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You - in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. Devotion: In my early school years I ran track, and loved it! Growing up in Hawaii, we typically ran barefoot (at least my group did). Our tracks tended to have a red-clay dirt, but we did not mind having the soles of our feet red in color after the meet because there was a sense of “freedom” when running with no constraints of a shoe. Though I am not an expert, I would say that there are real arguments for the pros and cons of barefoot running versus traditional running with shoes. However, in the end, one position I think we could agree on is that wearing shoes provides an expected protection to the soles of our feet from being injured from whatever is on the ground. We go through our daily lives, walking to and fro. Imagine going through your daily routine of going to work, school, shopping, etc. without shoes. So your doing all this barefoot, and unprotected from the elements on the ground. Injury and risk to other things are highly likely and increased. Very similar to our spiritual lives, without the Shoes of Peace, we have removed a guard to protect and help us. There is no true freedom in our living when we are without the peace of God because people, places and things can definitely stir us up in the wrong way.

This peace helps to guide us, protect us, and inform our decision-making. Reflection: Though running without shoes may feel “freeing”, everything about the way you run changes and shifts from the lack of shoe support. Put on the shoes of peace that is given only from the Lord, and stability in all areas of your life will follow you. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for providing shoes unlike any other, shoes that provide protection, guidance, joy, and stability. I am grateful for shoes that can get over and through any land! For you are most worthy of my praise! In the precious and glorious name of Jesus I pray, amen! Sis Tee