How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!

~ Isaiah 52:7 ~

Last week, Sherrie and I were traveling to Florida. Many know my wife has Stage 4 brain cancer, and because of that, she’s mostly immobilized. When we travel, she needs a wheelchair, and I do everything I can to make the process easier for her.

On this trip, we had a long layover at the airport in Maryland. When it came time to board our connecting flight, the attendant announced over the speaker, “We’ll now begin boarding those needing assistance.”

That should have been our cue to show care, patience, and offer help. Instead, it turned into a chaotic race. The five other people in wheelchairs suddenly jumped out of their chairs and sprinted toward the plane. They moved like sprinters at the start of a race. It was as if an announcement had said, “Ready, Aim, Fire!” And there Sherrie and I sat — still waiting, left behind in the rush — even though she needed help the most.

I’ll be honest: it was disheartening. Watching others scramble for position when all we needed was a little patience, a little understanding, and a little peace.

That moment was a picture of the world we live in. Everyone’s racing, rushing, competing—trying to get ahead, even at the expense of others. But that’s not the way of Christ.

When Paul describes the Armor of God, he ends with something easy to overlook: the Shoes of Peace. They’re not flashy like the other aspects of God’s armor, but they are essential. Why? Because peace is what grounds us and directs us. It keeps us steady in the storm and gives us readiness to move where God sends us.

The world’s version of “Ready, Aim, Fire!” is all about competition and chaos. But God’s version is entirely different:

• Ready – grounded in Christ’s discipline, like Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4).
• Aim – focused on God’s mission, carrying the good news of peace (Isaiah 52:7).
• Fire – not in panic, but in purpose, spreading reconciliation as peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Peace isn’t about winning the race or beating others to the front of the line. It’s about carrying God’s presence with us, creating space for others, and walking in discipline.

True fulfillment, contentment, and success come not from rushing ahead but from letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. That’s when we know who we are, whose we are, and where we’re going.

Over the next four weeks, we’ll walk through the Shoes of Peace and discover how they equip us to live grounded, purposeful, and ready lives in Christ:

• Week 1 (Intro/now): The Shoes of Peace – Standing Ready (Isaiah 52:7)
• Week 2 (Walking): Walking in Peace – Finding Calm in Chaos (Philippians 4:7)
• Week 3 (Spreading): Spreading Peace – Becoming Peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)
• Week 4 (Outro): Living Peace – Standing Firm with Christ’s Rule (Colossians 3:15)

When the world hears “Ready, Aim, Fire!” it rushes, scrambles, and competes. But when the people of God hear it, we stand steady. We live with purpose. We bring peace.

So, as we begin this mini-series, remember: your Shoes of Peace are not just for standing—they are for walking, moving, and spreading the good news. And when you walk in peace, you’re not left in the dust. You are walking right where God wants you: grounded, guided, and fired up with His mission.

Therefore…Stay Strong. Shine Bright. Suit up.

Next, Walking in Peace - Finding Calm in Chaos.

Pastor Drake