Day 85
Ephesians 6:15
KJV: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"
NIV: And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace"
J.B. Phillips: "the gospel of peace firmly on your feet"
Amplified: And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness and readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace."
A person in a fight must have his feet in a state of readiness. This is true in a real battle of life and death, as well as in a sports battle, such as tennis, basketball, etc. When the moment comes to attack, counterattack or defend oneself, being flat-footed can cause timing to be off. If timing is off, it could result in a loss.
Jesus said in John 16:4 NIV, "I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first, because I was with you." He wanted His disciples to be prepared in the event they faced persecution, or even martyrdom. As long as He was physically with them, they had nothing to be concerned about. It was their time of preparation, and He shielded them from everything that could alarm or hurt them. However, the time would come when He would send them off to accomplish the mission for which they had been prepared.
Jesus predicted all the calamities of the end times; all the wickedness and the evil state and backsliding of mankind in the last days. He foretold of division in families, because some decided to serve Christ. He warned of false prophets coming in His name. We have even been told of persecution facing all Christians, and martyrdom facing some true believers.
A consistent study of, and meditation upon, God's Word will help us stay ready on our feet. Constant communion with the Holy Spirit will also positively affect us, since His role is to prepare us. He teaches us, guides us into truth and shows us things to come.
I will remain ready as I stay in communion with God through His Word and the Holy Spirit.