Daily putting on the armor of God is a declaration of alignment with Him and His kingdom. Every piece of armor is found in relationship with Jesus. When we pray on the full armor of God, we are effectively putting on Christ, clothing ourselves in all of Him.

Stand firm then… with your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15

The Armor of God provides us with lessons in leadership and godly dominion. The path to true peace, wholeness and shalom, of person, family and nations is tied in with the authority God gives us to advance His Kingdom.

The footgear of the Roman soldier was not to simply stand but to advance, overtake and dominate people, territories and nations. It was harsh and vindictive, trampling persons and property in the name of Caesar.

In the Kingdom of God, the LORD sends out His warriors in righteousness to establish godly peace and dominion, not as domination but as righteous rule and leadership. The readiness and preparation of the gospel of shalom advances the kingdom of God and His rule in the earth.

Stand firm therefore… Hold your ground and establish with your feetand God-given authority the ground you are being given in the Name of the LORD.  Is this ground in your church? Your family? Your school, community or workplace?

Refuse to concede territory God has given you.
Refuse to be intimidated by giants and thieves.
Refuse to compromise.

Joshua stands in the thick of this kingdom movement. When God sends Joshua to occupy and inherit the land he had promised their forefathers, He makes the path clear. I will give you every place you set your foot. God is not just giving him the land but the authority to take the land and rule over it.  This long awaited inheritance does not come on a silver platter—they must fight for it.

The feet and footgear of the Roman soldier are representative of the authority he carries on behalf of Rome.

The footgear of shalom is emblematic of the authority of God that you carry wherever you go in the Name of the LORD. But only if you go outfitted in the fullness of the gospel, in obedience to God, and in right alignment with the Spirit and the Word.

The opposite of peace and shalom is chaos. Where chaos reigns, God does not. But shalom is the greater promise and standard of readiness than peace. To advance into this new territory requires total wellbeing in relationship with the Father, adherence to the Word in righteousness, and obedience to the will and ways of God

This is why God instructs Joshua in what it means to have his feet shod with the readiness of the gospel of peace, leading the people not just to share the gospel but to be the gospel in the new land.

Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law… Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. See Joshua 1:1-11

Then you and yours will have shalom.