Run Ye Gospel Shoes
by Toni Babcock

Ladies, you know what great lengths we take to find the right running or walking shoes. Not just any old shoes will do, they've got to fit right, look right, and feel right before we are willing to swipe that credit card, or lay down the cash to buy them. I keep that in mind when I think about my "gospel shoes".

My gospel shoes don't change with the times, and they certainly aren't flashy. They're always dependable, they never wear out, and thankfully accommodate all types of feet. And they fit me perfect, because God prepares the perfect fit of gospel shoes for each and every one of His children.

When I am neglectful, or full of unbelieving fear, I am reluctant to wear them. But when I am full of faith and wearing my gospel shoes, I feel energized and ready to go wherever the Lord leads me. His direction and timing always seems to turn out right. However, sometimes when I am in a dark place I grab the wrong shoes, and then I get in trouble. I might say the wrong thing, or say it in the wrong way and do more harm than good. Or some days when I'm feeling a little proud, I might put on some flashy neon shoes thinking they might make a bigger impression then my good old gospel shoes and well, it never works out. Or sometimes, someone else convinces me to put on their gospel shoes and I stumble around roughshod, totally out of place and wonder what in the world were we thinking? I can't wear somebody else's shoes!

Have you found your gospel shoes? Maybe you have the gift of gab, and sharing the gospel with family and friends comes naturally. You have a magnetic personality, and people seem attracted to what you have to say; now there's your gospel shoes. Perhaps you are a natural helper. You enjoy serving others in small ways, and as you do the Lord gives opportunities to speak a word in season for Christ and His kingdom; now there's your gospel shoes. Perhaps you like to sing the gospel, or write the gospel, or preach the gospel, or paint the gospel, or share the gospel with kids, whatever it is, there is your gospel shoes. I guess what I am trying to say is, if the Lord gives you the heart, the faith, and the passion to share the gospel in what ever way he leads you to, just believe those shoes were meant for you and run with them.

I love what St. Augustine wrote about running with the gospel; "Run ye to and fro everywhere ye holy fires, ye beautiful fires; for ye are the light of the world nor are ye put under a bushel. He to whom ye cleave is exalted, and hath exalted you. Run ye to and fro and be known unto all nations."

More simply put: run ye gospel shoes!!

Toni Babcock is a freelance Christian writer from South St. Paul. She enjoys writing short stories for children and young people, as well as memoirs, poetry and spiritual essays.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS