How to Develop Confidence in My Life | Ephesians 6:10-15
“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6: 10-15
Have you ever felt paralyzed by fear or weighed down by self-doubt? You’re not alone. Every Christian faces spiritual battles that test our confidence and resilience. That’s why Paul points us to the third piece of God’s armor:
“Shoes put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.”
(Ephesians 6:15, NLT)
Why Shoes Matter in Battle
When Paul wrote these words, he had in mind the caligae—the heavy-soled military sandals Roman soldiers wore. They weren’t ordinary shoes. They were made of tough leather, laced up the ankle and calf, and studded with iron nails for traction. Soldiers depended on them to march 20+ miles a day and to hold their ground in combat.
Think of them as ancient cleats. One slip in battle could mean a soldier’s life. In the same way, our “spiritual shoes” give us traction, grip, and stability when life feels like a fight.
Confidence in the Middle of the Fight
Paul reminds us that spiritual warfare isn’t theoretical—it’s real, and it’s intense. Different translations describe it as a “wrestle,” “struggle,” or even a “life-or-death fight.” The Greek word he uses pictures hand-to-hand combat—close, exhausting, and dangerous.
That’s why Paul stresses three times that these spiritual shoes help us stand firm. If you’re struggling to stand for your convictions, maybe your spiritual shoes are untied—or missing altogether.
I quote Pastor Martin Lloyd-Jones in this message:
“We must never be half-hearted or uncertain in the fight. If you are doubtful about the warfare in which you are engaged you will fight very badly. So the call to stand is another way of bringing us to realize clearly what the position is.”
Confidence comes when you’re prepared, grounded, and steady with your spiritual shoes on!
The Peace that Holds You Steady
Here’s the paradox: these shoes don’t just bring stability; they bring peace. Even in the chaos of battle, when your feet are planted firmly in the truth of the Gospel, you’ll find a calm strength the world can’t give.
Stability keeps you from sliding into compromise.
Dependability keeps you from caving under pressure.
Peace keeps you from being shaken, even in storms.
When you put on your spiritual shoes each day, you’re reminding yourself that while times change and people change, God’s truth never changes.
Why This Message Matters
In this message, we’ll walk through the goldmine of Psalm 91 and learn how to anchor our lives in God’s promises. If you’ve ever asked, “Do I need more spiritual confidence?” the answer is here: put on your shoes.
When you stand in the truth of the Gospel, you’ll discover what Paul knew—you can have peace in the middle of the fight.
