These Boots Were Made for Walking

"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, 

we wait for it patiently."

Romans 8:25

For Christmas, John received a very special gift from his Maddie (Meade’s mom): a pair of cowboy boots that had belonged to Meade.   Maddie held onto these boots all these years, and they are still in great shape. 

As she helped John open up this present, she told him all about the history of the boots.  But the key moment was when she spoke about the future of these treasured boots.

John listened and then broke out in his famous smile as Maddie told him that once his feet were able to fill these boots, he would be walking!  What a gift!!  Her words and the actual boots themselves meant so much more than most material items.

First, I know John appreciates the love and encouragement.  Second, Meade and I are abundantly blessed to have family and friends who believe in the healing work the Lord is doing in John’s brain and body.  Lastly and most significantly, isn’t this what the Lord does for us, speaking the truth over us in advance?

We see a lump of clay, a muddy mess, and God sees as masterpiece.  We see our sin, and God sees us as a new creation.  We fail time and time again, and yet God is waiting with grace and words of truth and hope, knowing all that we can be in Him.  His mercies are new every morning; great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:23). 

One thing we have attempted to do since John was a baby in the Intensive Care Unit is speak words of life, God’s very words, over John.  When the facts and the words from "the experts" pointed to death, the TRUTH was that the Lord had the victory.  And He longed for us to have hope and to pass this hope for a full life onto John.

John tried on the boots from Maddie... He can’t wait to grow into them.  

The Lord is also beaming with pride as we try on the “boots” He gives us and as He watches us grow into them.  What a blessing that He gives tangible reminders and intangible visions of who we are in Him and what He doing in us.

Daniel also received some cute boots.  :)

"Then he touched me and raised me to my feet."

Daniel 8:18b

Boots are made for walking.  I am in awe of our Lord who always sees our potential and never gives up on His children.

"For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2:10

Image courtesy of www.therichartist.com