Bonnie Peacock and her husband attend the First United Pentecostal Church in Odessa, Texas. Terry Pugh is their pastor. She is a freelance writer for various Christian publications. She also self-publishes The Pastor's PIT Crew for her local church and "First" Ladies which is sent to the ministers' wives of the Texico District and both Foreign and Home Missionaries. Picture a weathered rancher, standing tall against the sun. He hoists his britches and clears his throat, taking his time before he speaks.
“Well, it was like this. I pulled myself up by my own boot straps!”
Self-sufficient, determined, and focused, we all have a tendency to be like the old Texan. “I did it my way” are the lyrics of a popular song. “I stand on my own two feet” and “cover all the ground I stand on.”
We are pretty independent, aren’t we? Although our shoes may be loafers, sneakers, pumps, or dress, mentally we wear another kind. Deep within us are dusty, low-heeled, worn boots. They protect us, carry us through the deep muck of life, and are a symbol of our self-reliance.
It seems peculiar that God told Moses, “Take your shoes off!” Why would it matter whether Moses wore his sandals or stood bare foot on the hot, dry soil?
Moses was minding his own business, tending his father-in-law’s sheep. The Bible tells us that he was on the “backside of the desert” (Exodus 3:1).
If you stop and think about it, things did not seem to be going well for Moses. The sheep he cared for were not his own. Dependent upon his wife’s family for sustenance, he was alone in a dry and barren place.
Perhaps the sight of a brush fire in the heat of the desert was not unusual. But the fact that the shrub did not incinerate was disturbing. The bizarre apparition would not go away. As he crept closer to inspect, a voice from nowhere spoke.
“Moses, Moses.”
“Here am I.” Moses’ voice must have quaked as he replied.
“Don’t go any closer. Take off your shoes. You are standing on holy ground.” Moses hid his face, afraid to look at God.
“I have seen the affliction of my people. I have come to deliver them.” The hallowed voice continues. “You are through herding sheep. I want you to go to Pharaoh and bring my people out of
God is calling His people today. “My son! My daughter! I have seen your pain. I see the heartbreak of those around you. Now, you have been ‘herding sheep’ long enough. I have a job for you to do!”
Hearing the voice of God demands our removing our “boots.” Capable and full of self, we cannot be part of God’s plan. He is looking for men and women who will take their “boots” off and become transparent and dependent upon Him.
God’s idea of footwear is “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). His plan leaves us feeling exposed and vulnerable.
But what a trade! We have a choice. We can daily dress ourselves in our façade, witty repartee, and blend into the crowd, or we can lay down our props and step out of our comfort zone.
God has a plan. His methods are never ours (Romans 11:33). For us to become a part of His agenda, we have to discard ours.
Moses became the deliver of God’s people. At his hand, mighty miracles were wrought. Over and again, God proved Himself to be true. Across the
Where are you today? Are you standing on “your own two feet” or are you barefoot and in His presence?