Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 NKJV

It never occurred to me a pair of shoes could save my life. I love shoes and it’s always been my policy that shoes match the outfit. However, as a waitress I didn’t have the privilege of soft and lady-like. I had to wear thick rubber-bottom shoes for safety reasons. They were sorely unattractive and as I laced them that July morning, I dreamt of a day when I would be free of the grease-laden, boxy shoes.

5:10 A.M. and my husband was still sleeping. I slipped into the bathroom to finish dressing and curl my hair. Thunder rumbled in the distance as I plugged in the curling iron. Our area had experienced a rash of thunderstorms and I didn’t look forward to driving to the restaurant in a horrendous rainstorm.

The curling iron steamed against strands of my hair. “Lord,” I prayed, “please go with me today, whatever I may face.” When I said “Amen” I saw a ball of electricity straighten the electrical cord on the curling iron and sit on top of my head. It sounded like the house exploded.

I don’t remember much after that, except being told by doctors that my ugly shoes saved my life.

I’ve thought about the decisions I made that fateful morning. I’m thankful I surrendered my life into God’s hands by lifting my shield of faith with my simple prayer. I could have chosen to rebel against wearing the right protective covering on my feet. Instead, I was walking in peace and in God’s will.

Since my accident, my road of healing has been challenging over the last twenty-five years, but in spite of it all, I’ve never walked a moment alone. God promised me if I’d put on His whole armor, I would be able to stand against anything. And I did.

When you feel as though you’ve been struck down, gird yourself in His armor. I’m still standing. You can, too.

Crystal Y. Hathcock, and her husband, Tony, live in Liberty, South Carolina and have been married for thirty-two years. They have two puppies, Hankie and Calvin. Crystal is a freelance writer, a student with the Christian Writer’s Guild, and writes religious articles for the area’s local newspaper. She enjoys cooking for family and friends, couponing, jewelry making, and singing. Read Crystal’s devotions