These Boots are Made for Stomping
The rodeo had come to our small town. Many people eagerly turned out to see the horses, riders, and their loved ones marching in the bands. A famous movie star, who played a cowboy on our black-and-white TV, rode in a shiny white convertible and waved to the crowd. Sitting upon my dad’s broad shoulders, I had a bird’s eye view. At the young age of four, I waved to everyone and everything until my skinny arms grew tired. When the majorettes made their appearance, they twirled their batons high in the air and caught them with perfection. My eyes riveted to their white-fringed boots as they stomped down the street. Immediately I decided I had to have a pair. As money was too tight and purchases in our family were reserved for needed items only, excluding Christmas, these boots were not to be had.
When I became a newlywed, I watched a TV show starring a young woman by the name of Nancy Sinatra. I tuned into the program just as Ms. Sinatra walked out wearing white knee-high boots. She stomped her feet while singing the lyrics, “These boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do, for one of these days these boots are going to walk all over you.” Those boots conjured up the memory of a four-year-old mesmerized by white-fringed boots.
Decades have passed since those boots impressed me, but I still have a soft spot for them. Now that I can afford them, oh please, what a sight I would be in those boots. But when I am facing a difficult circumstance in my life and I need an extra boost of faith, I imagine myself putting on white-fringed boots and stomping on that difficult situation. “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Luke 10:19 NIV).
Faith in God gives us strength to take action and get through difficult circumstances. Admiring your boots and “stewing” over your situation will not solve the issue. We are to put them on and be at peace. “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” (Ephesians 6:15 NLT). As children of God, applying our faith in Him, He helps to establish our walk. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives” (Psalm 37:23 NLT).
There are many dark scuff marks on my spiritual stomping boots and I will not clean them off. I wear them proudly as a reminder of being victorious in difficult circumstances. In every trial, faith in the Lord has carried me through.
My friend, you too can march proudly because with God’s help you are an overcomer.
Let’s bow and pray:
Lord, I know that faith is an action and only I can apply it to my difficult circumstances. I desire to live a victorious life when difficulty comes my way. I know the difficulty will draw me closer to You. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the tools of faith to walk victoriously. Even though I have scuffmarks on my boots, I will march proudly, witnessing of Your power. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
