Tie Your Shoes

There are very few detail people in this world, and we sometimes think just saying something is enough of a standard, but in reality, it is "just talk." We already have talking heads trying to talk us into certain things. "Talk is cheap!" But talk without action can begin to dig us into a "rut" that gets increasingly deep, to the point that we cannot get out of it. Action is the plan of those who have a faith walk with Jesus. Jesus was a man of action when He walked on this earth, and praise God, He was, because His "finished work" gave eternal life in glory for those who believe in Him. There is a time for reflection, and there is a time for action. Paul wrote these words to the church in Ephesus. Ephesians 5:¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. ¹⁷ Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Andra, my wife, gave me an article that was written about David Wilkerson, the pastor who moved to New York to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in the worst areas of the city, and God moved and changed lives. There is a really good book about what happened through David entitled The Cross and The Switchblade. In the article Andra gave me, he brought out that we need a "burden" to follow the ways of Jesus. He also said we don't hear the word "burden" much anymore, but that it is a burden that "drives" us to not only begin the task, but finish the task God has laid on our hearts. Burdens are the driving force that sets everything in motion, but there is so much more than that involved. We need to tie up all loose ends because the enemy will respond when he sees that we are fulfilling our calling from the Lord.

In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo and his companions set out to get involved in the task at hand to defeat the prevailing evil in the land. The roving "eye" was always watching and ready to respond anytime he might have a threat. And Frodo and His companions were the threat. In one scene, a group of dragons goes to and fro to find those involved in this threat, so they can kill them. Frodo has the ring of power, and the moment he puts it on to hide in the shadow world, the enemy immediately feels the ring's power and zooms to find it and kill the one who has it. The ring of power was the desire of the enemy, as well as those who were good.

Peter spoke to this great evil and how to respond to it in 1 Peter 5:⁸ Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

As the above scripture says that this attack by our enemy is common to all who are serving, but there is one caveat that must be added to the overall mission. Be prepared in all things and ready to fight the devil with God's power. Dead and inactive Christians are usually not attacked at all because they are not carrying the burden from the Father to live that vibrant life. In fact, they may even be blessed with worldly things to keep them trusting themselves and the world. It is those who step out in faith with a Godly burden that drives their very existence, who get the attention, and we must be ready with the power of God to handle the fight.

In other words, lace up your shoes tight and be ready to go, and don't let yourself be "tripped up." When I see someone with their shoes untied, I immediately want to say, "Hey, you need to tie your shoelaces!!" I can envision them tripping on their shoelaces, and then I think, "How hard can it be to go ahead and tie your shoelaces?" Poor preparation going into battle is not accepted, and every battle must have the following ingredients. Prayer cover, Preparation from God's Word, and battle weapons. Ephesians 6:¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Are you ready to fight? You'd better lace up your shoes tight and be ready for anything and everything with the power of the Holy Spirit. When God entered the fight for the children of Israel, everything changed, and Moses said these words to the people in Exodus 14:¹⁴ The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Anybody can talk a good fight, but the one who fights with a Godly burden comes into the battle prepared for battle, and God defeats the enemy at every turn. ENTER THE BATTLE TODAY. Come alongside me and fight the good fight, and we will see God do great and mighty things as never before.

The Pilgrimage Continues,

David Warren