walk a mile in these shoes...

Have you ever noticed how many different shoes there are in this world? You go by a shoe store and they have numerous brands and a variety of styles to pick from. But one thing I have noticed is when I go inside to pick out some shoes, I usually only find one or two pair that really interest me enough to purchase them. When I look in the window, I’m thinking of all the shoes I would buy if I just had a little more cash. The truth is I’m only liking maybe two pair, and one of them is probably not gonna make the cut. Why? Because when it comes down to the cost of something and actually giving out money you have earned, you are a little more picky about what you want to invest in.

When God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to come to this earth and take on the form of a man, he came and walked, breathed and really lived here. He saw the cost of what was before Him, and with all that He could have done, He chose to pick us, to give us new life. He could have done anything, but He chose to redeem you and me. He not only bought the shoes but He walked in them, and left a set of footprints as examples for us all about how to live. John the Baptist knew what kind of man Jesus was when He said that one was coming and he (John the Baptist) wasn’t able to carry his shoes, much less wear them. Matthew 3:11"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” John couldn’t wear those shoes, but he wasn’t supposed to. He was supposed to do everything he could with the ones he had on his feet. He wore the pair God gave him and dedicated himself to the Maker of the shoes.

Christ offers us a chance to put on the shoes of a servant every day and live a life of commitment that will impact the kingdom. Trouble is, we have a lot of choices for serving, but we have to actually choose the one that we are willing and fitted to wear. It’s called finding your place in God’s service by allowing Him to use you through the unique way, or shoe size, He has created for you. He has a footprint that is unique and made just for you. It’s up to you to discern where you are best fitted, and then pour your life into serving Christ in that area. It will probably be an area of ministry that is less glamorous than most, but your humble service will be rewarded by God. Ephesians 4:11 “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” If He equips us, then we have the best equipment we need. Use it. In other words, pick the shoes and wear them. He has a pair waiting just for you. Go ahead. Take a few steps. Walk a few feet. Walk a mile. Oh, just walk the rest of your life. The shoes are fresh every day and just waiting for you to put them on.


The Pilgrimage continues....

David Warren