Readiness That Builds Strength: Standing Firm When Faith Is Tested
Lately, the Lord has been showing me how much readiness matters — not just in what we wear on our feet, but in how prepared our hearts are to follow Him wherever He leads. It’s a lesson He’s been teaching me in some of the most ordinary places.
I’m a girl who loves shoes. I always have. Shoes have always felt like my weakness — but in true fashion, I’m also cheap. I love a good deal and won’t spend a ton of money if I can help it. My husband lovingly jokes that I need to get rid of some shoes, but I just love having options. I love getting ready to go somewhere and grabbing a cute pair of shoes to match my outfit.
But here’s what I’ve noticed as I’ve gotten older: it’s still about the shoes being cute — but it’s more about them fitting properly, offering support, and keeping me comfortable throughout the day.
I’ve been guilty of wearing shoes that didn’t fit right and paying for it later — sore feet, aching back, and regret by the end of the day — all because they were cute. Now? It’s different.
Comfort first. Then cute.
And that’s where my thoughts landed recently… in prayer.
Beautiful Feet and Readiness to Go
There’s a reason Scripture places so much emphasis on our feet.
Our feet represent movement. Direction. Obedience. They tell the story of where we’re willing to go — and whether we’re prepared to get there.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation…”
Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)
This verse has always stirred my heart, but recently it’s taken on deeper meaning. Beautiful feet aren’t about appearance — they’re about purpose. They belong to people who are willing to carry the good news wherever God sends them.
Paul echoes that same truth when he writes:
“How can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
Romans 10:15 (NIV)
And then Luke reminds us that this journey isn’t reckless or rushed — it’s guided:
“…to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 1:79 (NIV)
Those verses began turning over in my heart because they all point to the same truth: God cares deeply about where our feet are headed — and whether they’re ready to go.
Standing Firm Requires the Right Fit
Now, you wouldn’t go walking — let alone running — in a pair of high heels and expect to get very far. You’d lace up a good pair of tennis shoes instead. Not because they’re flashy, but because they’re designed to support you, steady you, and help you get the most out of what you’re doing.
That choice isn’t accidental. You choose the right shoes based on where you’re going and what you’re about to face. The wrong shoes might look fine at first, but they won’t carry you very far — and they certainly won’t help you stand firm when the ground gets uneven.
Scripture reminds us that our spiritual walk requires that same kind of intentional preparation.
Scripture tells us:
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”
Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)
And then it continues:
“And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15 (NIV)
That word fitted caught my attention in a deeper way.
The Greek word used here for readiness speaks of firm footing — a foundation that allows you to stand, move, and walk with confidence. Just like proper shoes.
If your shoes don’t fit, you won’t walk far. You’ll stumble. You’ll be distracted. You’ll constantly be aware of the discomfort instead of where you’re going.
Standing Firm Requires Readiness and the Right Fit
The verse right before our key Scripture tells us to stand firm. That matters.
Standing firm doesn’t mean standing still. It means being anchored — steady enough that when God says go, we’re not knocked off balance by fear or doubt.
Being fitted with the gospel of peace prepares our feet, and being ready prepares our heart.
The word translated readiness in Ephesians 6:15 comes from the Greek hetoimasia, meaning foundation, firm footing, preparation, readiness. It carries the idea of something that has been made ready ahead of time — not rushed, not thrown together, but intentionally prepared.
That depth matters.
One commentary that deeply spoke to me explained it this way:
The Gospel brings peace in the deepest sense of that word — primarily peace with God — from which all other kinds of tranquility flow. But what is striking is that this peace appears in the middle of a picture of battle. The Gospel brings us peace first, and then says, “Now, having peace in your heart because you have peace with God, go out and fight to keep it.” There is no real peace that does not include conflict, and the Gospel is the Gospel of peace precisely because it enlists us in Christ’s army and sends us out to fight His battles.
MacLaren’s Expositions
That truth reframes everything.
Peace doesn’t remove the battle — it positions us for it.
That kind of readiness doesn’t come from having all the right words memorized or feeling confident all the time. It comes from time spent with the Lord — prayer that softens our hearts, fasting that sharpens our spiritual focus, and digging deeper into His Word until truth becomes louder than the lies.
Because the enemy loves to sneak in with doubt. He whispers that we’re not enough, that we don’t know enough, that someone else would be better suited. But when we’ve been with God — when we’ve stood firm in Him — those lies don’t hold the same power.
Readiness says, I may feel weak, but I am willing.
And God can work with willing.
When Fear Meets Calling
I’ll be honest — and this still isn’t easy to admit.
I was raised a pastor’s kid, and now I’m a pastor’s wife. I’ve been around Scripture, church, and ministry my entire life — and yet I still wrestle with fear when it comes to witnessing.
I’ve never felt like I knew enough. Even now, I find myself praying that God would put the words in my mouth when the moment comes.
Yet, that familiar whisper still creeps in:
You’re not enough.
You don’t know enough.
Someone else could do this better.
It’s a battle I’ve faced for as long as I can remember — not because I don’t love the Lord, but because the enemy knows exactly where to press. He uses familiarity to breed doubt and responsibility to stir fear.
But God gently reminds me:
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
In moments like this, I’m reminded that God has always met His servants right in the middle of their fear.
Jeremiah felt it. He didn’t believe he had the words — and yet Scripture tells us:
“Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, ‘I have put my words in your mouth.’”
Jeremiah 1:9 (NIV)
Moses did the same thing. He questioned his ability, his speech, his adequacy — and still God called him forward, promising to go with him and speak through him.
God has never asked us to rely on our own strength or our own words. He has always promised to walk us through what He calls us to.
And in our weakness, His strength is still enough.
Readiness for Where God Is Sending You
This verse isn’t new to me. But its depth is.
If your feet are fitted properly, they’ll take you places you’ve never been before. You’ll walk with confidence. You’ll feel prepared. You’ll sense calm instead of panic when the moment comes to speak truth.
We are called to reach the lost — not just with our words, but with our lives. To live the same in private as we do in public. To be a light.
Jesus said:
“Go therefore and teach all nations…”
Matthew 28:19–20
That calling applies to every believer — including me… and you.
Peace… In the Middle of the Fight
What continues to settle in my spirit is this truth: the gospel of peace doesn’t remove the battle — it changes how we step into it.
We don’t put on the gospel of peace so we can retreat or stay comfortable. We put it on so we can move forward without losing our footing.
Peace with God steadies us. It quiets the chaos inside long enough for us to hear His direction and obey, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.
That kind of peace doesn’t come from avoiding conflict — it comes from trusting the One who walks with us through it.
A Simple Prayer from My Heart
Before you move on today, I want to invite you to pause for just a moment — right where you are.
You may not feel ready. You may feel uncertain, hesitant, or even afraid. But God knows exactly where your feet are today, and He knows where He’s leading you next.
If it helps, make this prayer your own:
Lord, lead me. Keep my feet ready. Fit me with the gospel of peace. Send me where You desire — and give me the courage to go.
I don’t want to be unfruitful. I want to walk faithfully. Help me trust You even when fear tries to slow me down.
May my feet be ready to carry Your truth wherever You send me.
Amen.
If this encouragement met you right where you are, I want you to know — this is exactly why Makin’ Macon exists.
Through Stay Rooted, I send weekly encouragement straight to your inbox — simple reminders to slow down, stay grounded in God’s Word, and keep walking faithfully even when life feels overwhelming. It’s a space for Scripture, reflection, and grace-filled truth for the season you’re in.
You can also explore more encouragement here on the blog — from faith-filled reflections to everyday reminders that you’re not walking this journey alone.
No pressure. No perfection required.
Just an open invitation to stay rooted, keep moving forward, and trust God with every step.
We’re learning, growing, and taking steps of faith together — one fitted step at a time.
Remember, I’m always praying for you — even if I don’t know who you are.
