SHIELD

Ephesians 6:16 – Lift up over all the [covering] SHIELD of faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

Ever notice in those Brave Heart/Gladiator movies the monstrous shields the warriors use? Sure, there are many other pieces of armor like the helmet, breastplate, knee guards and belts, but the shield is of utter importance. The shield is the outer covering, the first point of contact for whatever ammo is being fired.

Verses 11-17 of Ephesians are dedicated to the full armor of God, our spiritual protection against the enemy. So much has been taught about the importance of the armor, the significance of each piece, and our responsibility to use each piece daily and effectively. But the shield stands out to me mostly because the shield represents our Faith; thus, it is called the Shield of Faith. The Amplified version uses the term for what is being hurled at us “flaming missiles” while other versions say “fiery darts.” Some days I feel like Satan is shooting darts, small annoyances that get under my skin, and other days they honestly do feel like WWII missiles meant to wipe me out completely.

God says our faith is our shield that will quench, stop, extinguish these missiles. If our shield is not positioned firmly then the first attack usually strikes the head. Our helmets may remain intact but we suffer dizzying confusion. Example: “Lord, I know you have instructed us to tithe consistently, but we’re just so behind right now.” My shield of faith faltered so my mind argues and debates the fact that we can’t possibly give 10%.

The next blow hits the breastplate and our hearts are wounded. “Lord, I thought you cared about us. You know our situation.” The heartbreak causes a stumble and now our shoes of peace are knocked off. “I don’t have time to join that bible study. I’m sure someone else will bring a meal to that family.”

Our armor may still be intact but our body is bruised and our walk has been crippled. We are now searching for the Medic and are in desperate need of healing. Our faith can be a shield unto us, but it is up to us to employee it daily. Without it the consequences are immeasurable. Faith is a shield.