Bronze Shoes In The Desert

 

When our kids first began to walk, as was common in that day, we went to a shoe store and bought them high top baby shoes in brilliant white. There were no NIKE shoes back then, but any good shoe store carried these special baby shoes. The shoe salesman carefully fitted them just right using a tiny foot measuring tool to uniquely fit that child so that those first steps would be supported properly by the white leather shoes. I remember vividly those little fat feet plopped onto the numbered instrument.  These precious feet that were to carry these who we loved so much for a lifetime. As those first steps became many, the shoes were scuffed and had to be polished with liquid polish, for us that was a Sunday morning ritual.  Many of that day got those first baby shoes, bronzed which was bronze paint sprayed on so they could be kept as a keepsake.  Occasionally at an antique store, I find a small well-worn pair of high top baby shoes with a bronze paint that seemed to emphasize the wrinkles and wear on them.  That time in some child’s life was reflected in those dusty bronze shoes.   A few weeks ago a friend and I talked about a scripture found in Deuteronomy that neither of us had thought about very much though we had read it before.  Isn’t it funny how we do that sometimes?  We read it once not taking note of it especially, but as that very verse is needed God brings it to you at the right time in your life.  

For forty years I led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out.

Deuteronomy 29:5 NLT

In this verse, Moses was reminding Israelites of God’s great power and mercy.  God not only takes care of big things like parting the sea, but he also takes care of our smaller needs.  We as His children, I think, are in the desert of difficulties and sometimes despair right now.  Some have lost hope as sickness, financial decline and even oppression encircles their days while dread and fear troubles their nights.  But fortunately, we do not have to depend on politicians or wayward leaders, we have a God who causes not even our shoes to not wear out as He leads us through this desert of fear and dismay.    

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalms 56:3‭-‬4 NLT