Preparation and Red High Top Sneakers?

Picture from No Sweat Apparel

Ephesians 6:15 (Amplified Bible)
"And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace."



Those of us familiar with the Bible realize that God not only speaks plainly through His Word but also, historically, prophetically, symbolically, and typologically. Not only does God speak through His written Word, but also through experiences labeled as "supernatural," but these experiences should fall in line with the character of God as revealed through His written Word. God's desire to communicate with his kids takes creativity to a higher level.

In 2001, God creatively impressed upon me the need for "Preparation." Already in bed for the night, I awoke to see a pair of red high top sneakers floating above me, while simultaneously hearing God say, "Preparation." Looking back in hindsight, God, indeed, was preparing me to face the most difficult years of my life…but what in the world did red high top sneakers have to do with preparation? The Holy Spirit caused me to remember the Ephesians 6 description of the full armor of God, specifically verse 15, which directs the reader to put on the Gospel of peace like a pair of shoes. The Gospel of peace enables one to stand firm-footed, prompt and ready when confronted by the evil one. Because of this visual experience, aka a vision, I immersed myself in His Word.

Since then, I have had numerous dreams regarding just how my feet were shod. I believe each dream was like God's barometer measuring my preparedness to face the evil one…through people, situations and my own soul. My feet have been barefooted (total lack of preparation); bedroom slippers, high-heeled shoes, sandals, broken heels, uneven heels, combat boots and white sneakers, have all graced my feet, but to date, never have I had the privilege of wearing those red high-topped sneakers promised by my Jesus.

I write this to encourage myself...the Lord IS preparing me and I am NOT alone when facing the evil one, but I also write to encourage those reading that God prepares you also, if you will follow His lead, listen to His call and obey.

Jesus, empower us by Your Spirit to stand firm-footed, prompt and ready when faced with the evil one. Only You can give us the wisdom and strength needed to be victorious in each battle. WE HAVE ALREADY WON THE WAR THROUGH YOU, JESUS, but we humbly ask for Your power in each situation, day by day, moment by moment, that we may truly reflect your glory and represent You, as sons and daughters of the most High God. In the powerful name of Jesus!!! AMEN!!!!