Paul discusses putting on the full Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-17. These verses are so important because they hold God’s promises for our protection and victory. We have the Shield of Faith which is our first line of defense. We have the Belt of Truth which allows us to walk in our true identity in Christ. We have the Breastplate of Righteousness which protects our hearts. We have the Gospel Shoes of Peace which allows us to walk in peace no matter the difficult circumstances or difficult people in our path. We also have the Sword of the Spirit which empowers us to take down the enemy with the promises found in God’s Word, the Bible, and the promises the Holy Spirit gives us personally.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4.7 ESV).
The Gospel Shoes of Peace move us unhindered by fear, anxiety, mistrust and overthinking. Like Peter, Jesus has called us to walk by faith on the terrain of a metaphorical sea (Matthew 14:22-33). As we learn to stand steadily on the waters, we are confronted with the storms of life. These storms can include difficult circumstances, wearisome people, stressful decisions and repercussions of our own mistakes.
However, Jesus gives us a promise that we have His peace no matter the raging winds pounding against us, the towering waves hovering over us and the tumultuous currents rolling beneath us. The peace that Jesus gives us is unaffected by the troubles of this world. This peace is a gift we receive from Him by faith once we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. We put on the Gospel Shoes of Peace, trusting that all things work for our good (Romans 8.28), so we can walk confidently in our destiny despite what is going on around us.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 12.27 NIV).
Many times, simply choosing to have peace will quiet the storms we are currently facing. People’s anger can be diffused. The circumstance doesn’t seem as scary. And our mistakes can be seen in the light of grace. We put on our Gospels Shoes, knowing that the Good News of Jesus Christ and all His wonderful benefits are ours. We have salvation. We have been forgiven. We have the Holy Spirit. We have been freed from sin. We have eternity with a loving God. We have faith that can move mountains (Matthew 17.20).
Why should we fear the storms when greater is He that is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4.4)? No matter the situation, we can trust that we have the victory in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15.57). Once we remember that all God’s promises are yes and amen in Jesus, we can grab hold of peace and rebuke the storms of life (2 Corinthians 1:20). It may take a while to train our minds out of distress and back into peace, but as we daily claim Jesus’ perfect peace by faith every day, the worries of life will finally fall away. And when a new person or situation tries to dispel our peace, we can rebuke the harassing spirit and lay hold of God’s promised peace once more.
Verses about Peace
- John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
- John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on you, because they trust in you.”
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Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
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Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- 2 Corinthians 13:11: “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
- Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
- Hebrews 12:14: “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
- 1 Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
- Psalm 29:11:“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
- Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
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