Back in the early 70s, Joe South, sang Walk a Mile in My Shoes, a great song for those who like to criticize others from afar without knowing what things are like when one’s in the ring. We can say all types of things but it takes being in the mix, or in the pot to know what the stew is like.
Jesus can relate to us because He walked in our ways. Though He’s high and lifted up, He set aside His power and kingdom privileges to live as we do. On earth, He wasn’t living in His glory, but among sinners immersed in sin. He didn’t walk on streets of gold, but on paths of dirt and mud. He didn’t snap His fingers and have angels bring Him water or food. He had to fish and fetch water like everyone else.
When we go through tough stuff, He knows what we’re talking about. When we hurt due to rejection and discrimination, He knows its sting. He experienced hate, indifference, intolerance, persecution, lying, hunger, thirst, cold, sore feet, and desertion. Hurt and betrayal came not only from His enemies, but “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).
We can say, Jesus waked a mile in our shoes. Later, in the 70s, the Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head singer, BJ Thomas, who became a Christian, sang, He’s Walking in My Shoes on how Jesus still walks with us helping us make right choices.
Friend, whatever you’re going through, from paying for unbelievably high-priced eggs, to unaffordable housing, God knows your life, and He’s got a plan for yours.
Will you walk in His ways? Will you walk a mile or two in His shoes and paths? Will you follow the cross to where it leads? He calls us to walk by faith, not by sight. Faith-walking requires trust in him. It requires being led by the Spirit instead of by our feelings. No one who walks by sight for God, will be rewarded by Him. “For we walk by faith not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).
Take off your thinking cap, put on your faith-walking shoes, call unto God, and begin your walk!
God Bless!
Sam