Shield of Faith

Read

Ephesians 6: 16 “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Psalm 33:20 “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”

Think

The shield, a soldier’s primary defense, was made from wood and covered in linen or leather. Roman soldiers would also lock their shields together to defend themselves against their enemies as a unit. Throughout Scripture, God is referred to as a shield, and faith in him serves as protection for us as individuals and as the people of God.

But we don’t just sit a ease, relax and let God do all the work. We have a role to play with our shield of faith. It’s a combined partnership; we battle alongside God. He does the great work of fighting for us and offering protection, and we have the task of lifting that shield of faith over our minds, our hearts and our bodies. A shield, whether it be physical or spiritual, can only be effective when it is raised. This requires an ongoing state of preparedness and patience on our part. It takes great effort.

Apply

Faith doesn’t come naturally or easily. We must build our faith. List the ways God has been faithful, the ways you have seen his hand in your life. Build your hope, your trust in God!

Pray

Heavenly Father, I believe that you are my defender and I place my trust in you alone. Enable me to grow my faith in you  and help me to speak of your faithfulness to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.