“Mom, I fed the chickens. Here’s your sandals back,” my daughter said.

“Back?” I tried to hide my dismay, “You wore the jeweled ones?” The odor rising from the pleather revealed the answer.

“I just borrowed them quick.”

I glanced at my jeweled sandals. As pretty as they were, they now had a designated purpose. I would use them when I fetched eggs or cared for my hens. My jeweled sandals were now the purtiest’ chicken sandals I’d ever owned.

They stank. Bad stank… Invading the kitchen stank.

I dropped the sandals outside, closed the door, and blew my nose.

As unusual as it may seem, I knew my daughter’s quick grab happened for a purpose. It reminded me that we are called to holiness. The Apostle Paul writes, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people; that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV). This verse reminds me that in the spiritual realm I am called to keep out of the chicken coop. But there’s more…

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people; that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

~1 Peter 2:9 NKJV

Because I’ve been trapped in the coop before, this reminds me to help my friends. We need each other.

When I think of how often I’ve gotten trapped inside the coop and proceeded to walk wherever I willed until someone extended a hand of mercy to me, this makes it easy for me to extend a helping hand to a hurting friend. In 1 Peter we read, “Who were once not a people, but are now the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (I Peter 2:10 NKJV).

God puts us in a spiritual family. In this way, we can be available. When a friend needs prayer, a hand up, or just a listening ear so they can work through a chicken coop situation, we can be there for them.

Who once were not a people, but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

~1 Peter 2:10 NKJV

The Bible is infallible. Every answer is in the Book. But we are called to have more than head-knowledge—we are called to have a vital relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. As we cultivate our relationship Jesus we become like Him. When we spend time with Him, He tucks the gift of love inside our person.

Every time I wear my jeweled chicken sandals, I am reminded of three spiritual truths: 1) I am called to stay out of the coop. 2) I need to help friends who are in the coop. 3) I am my best self only when I maintain a vital relationship with my Beloved Jesus.

Friend, aren’t you glad God extends His love to us wherever we find ourselves in life? When we’re in the coop, He stands ready to rescue us, as we also need to be ready to help each other find Jesus, and through Him, the way to victory. Through godly friends, this journey of life becomes easier.

How can you help a friend who is “in the coop?”

Father God, help me to live a life that is pleasing to You by following Christ.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2019: Jeweled Chicken Sandals: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved 

Published: November 2019: Christian Broadcasting Network: Beth Patch, Senior Producer

Published: April 2020: Christian Devotions Ministries: Martin Wiles, Managing Editor; Cindy Sproles, Executive Editor