Think Again!

Appendices • 165

Jesus trusted God for provision. In the same way the breastplate protects us from ruining our relationship with God through sin.

Readiness We need readiness to protect us from being caught off guard. We are surprised by health problems, unexpected death, or financial challenges. The Roman shoes of readiness had spikes to grip the ground, like modern baseball batters who dig their cleats in for traction. In the Already/Not-Yet Kingdom, it is inevitable that we will experience suffering. This helps us deal with the element of surprise. Paul said not to be discouraged by his suffering because it was their glory (Eph. 3.13). He said to look carefully how you walk because the days are evil (Eph. 5.15). Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world” (John 16.33). The readiness (given by the gospel of peace) is more than just personal salvation by grace. It has a much more transcendent view, where God revealed “his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth” (Eph. 1.10). The gospel is Good News that all of creation will be made brand new (Rev. 21.5). The readiness given by the gospel is confidence that “he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things” (Eph. 1.22).

We wear shoes of readiness to stand our ground, to stand firm and to remain calm and peaceful in the midst of a cosmic battle.

Faith The shield of faith protects us from getting confused about God’s goodness. We can have confidence in what we hope for, certainty