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Would you just look at it?

 What's on the bottom of your shoe?


The other day a friend of mine posted a picture of herself on social media. In the comments she talked about overcoming an obstacle in her life. This post was about a situation, a struggle, determination, trials and then victory.

The difference with this post was after she claimed her victory, she pointed out a spot on the bottom of her shoe. “I don’t know what’s on my shoe, we have chickens and cows.” She stated.

I must be honest, as I read her post, I was cheering her on, proud of her accomplishment and thought about my desire to achieve the same victory she received through hard work and dedication. All that went away when I read her last comment.

I admit it, I magnified the picture to see the spot on her shoe, and at that moment it was the only thing I could focus on. It was a spot I never would have noticed or quite frankly would’ve cared about. A spot that I frequently have on the bottom of my own shoe because of our chickens, goats and now horses.

I began to think about how this relates to our spiritual life, our relationship with the Lord.

All who have been redeemed by the blood of the lamb have conquered eternal death. Jesus raises us above our current situation, walks with us during our struggles, gives us courage and determination, provides wisdom and stamina during our trails so we can experience the victory Jesus already claimed on the cross.

After all we have accomplished in our walk with the Lord, we point out that one spot, that tiny blemish, that smudge, that chicken poop on the bottom of our shoe. Once we point it out, we magnify the blemish and it’s all we or others can focus on.

The worst part is the enemy of our soul is lurking around the corner and when he sees us pointing out that spot, he says:

“A HA! I will find a way to use that against them so that I can destroy them.”

The spot that we willingly point out is a weakness, a crack of doubt, an embarrassment, and an acknowledgement of our flaws. Yes, that’s plural. We still have flesh on our bones and no matter how close of a relationship we have with Jesus we still have flaws and daily, if not hourly, we should be asking God to help us overcome those flaws.

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.

Then the word of the Lord came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” Jeremiah 18:1-6 ESV

Jesus knows we aren’t perfect; He is the only perfect one. Jesus knows our nature is not good, God is the only one that is good. Jesus can mold us into something beautiful if we allow him to. Jesus takes our flaws into His hands and reworks them until they disappear. What’s left is a beautiful vessel molded in the character of God to be used for His purpose.

Jesus has already claimed the victory so why are focusing on that tiny spot? That spot could be minuscule but when we focus on it, it’s blown way out of proportion. Here are some examples of how focusing on our flaws can be used against us.

1. One day you voice your frustration out loud that you don’t have time to do daily devotions like everyone else. The enemy see’s that frustration and finds ways to continually distract you so that you will eventually forget about digging into God’s word.

2. You focus on your fear about witnessing to others. What if they won’t listen, what if I say the wrong thing and it backfires, what if they ask a question that I can’t answer? God gives you a divine appointment and your fear deafens the quickening of the Holy Spirit to give testimony.

3. You hear the call of ministry, but you think you’re not capable. You feel like you don’t have the training, the talent, the anointing, or ability to do that. The enemy will continue to place hesitation or doubt in your mind if you don’t rely on the power of the Lord to equip you where He has called you.

I’m sure you can think of several ways in which you have focused on a tiny flaw instead of the wonders of the Lord.

Remember, that flaw, that spot, that blemish, that chicken poop is on the BOTTOM of your foot.

When you allow the Lord to guide your steps, the bottom of your foot is never seen. God knows what your feet step on, or step in. God also knows that when you’re walking, running, skipping, and dancing in His will, that spot will wear away and disappear.

The Lord has given you authority, the Lord has proclaimed your victory, the Lord has commanded you to put the enemy under your foot. Satan is that chicken poop on the bottom of your shoe, so go ahead… STOMP AWAY!

Romans 16:17-20 ESV

“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

Revelation 12:10-11 ESV

“And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”

About the Author:

Sheri Caruso is an Author, Public Speaker and Women's Ministry leader. She is the author of Sackcloth and Ashes of the Heart and People of Presence Faith & Purpose. Both books are available on Amazon.com.

Connect with Sheri on:

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You can also find her on MeWe and The Jump

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