This Is How I Fight My BattlesParaugs

The Shield of Faith

As I'm writing this, I am at home self-isolating with COVID. My son is having challenges with self-regulation at school. Interest rates rose again this week, narrowing the already tight margin in my budget. And I'm wading through complex waters of conflict with my oldest and dearest friend. These are ordinary troubles in my life of privilege and blessing. However, when the battles of my ordinary life occur on multiple fronts, I can feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and even fearful.

I've heard it preached that fear is the opposite of faith. But I wonder, If you don't have a little bit of fear, do you even need faith? Think about it. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 NKJ). What do we humans fear the most? The unknown. Faith is the unseen - the unknown. Faith is the willingness to be vulnerable, admit with humility that you don't know, and believe in something that you can't see.

No, I don't believe fear precludes us from faith. In fact, I believe we can use it to build our faith, just like King Jehoshaphat.

Even though King Jehoshaphat was a great man of faith, the Bible says that when he received word that multiple armies were coming to wage war, "Jehoshaphat feared." But look what he did next (in the same sentence - only a comma separates these two statements!): "Then Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself [determinedly, as his vital need] to seek the Lord" (2 Chronicles 20:3 AMPC).

Jehoshaphat feared, then reflexively used it to engage his faith and call on the Lord. In the verses that follow, we read that he proclaimed a fast and gathered the nation together to seek the Lord. Then, as the leader of the nation, Jehoshaphat vulnerably stood in front of all the people and declared what I believe is one of the most anointed prayers of faith and humility you will find in all of Scripture:

"For we have no might to stand against this great company that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12 AMPC).

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul likens faith to a shield - one of the pieces of the armour of God that he instructs us to don daily. My faith in God and my belief in His Son Jesus is my shield. Without my faith, I have no defence to stand firm in the battles of my life. When I attempt to navigate the complexities of life in my own strength, I, like Jehoshaphat, don't know what to do. So, I strive to keep my eyes on Him.

My faith that God is good, loving, and faithful is what grounds and protects me. My faith shields me from allowing fear and doubt and discouragement to take hold.

Taking up your shield of faith is a decision - a daily act of humility, acknowledging that you don't know, and choosing to believe in the unseen. Sometimes that is scary, but don't flinch at the fear. Use it as an opportunity to build your faith.

Let's Pray:

Lord, the circumstances of my life can be overwhelming. I humble myself today and admit that I don't know what to do, but my eyes are upon You. I choose to take up the shield of faith today. I believe that You exist and that You are the rewarder of those who diligently seek You. I believe that You are with me and for me. Increase my faith, Holy Spirit. Amen.

Take Action:

Say this out loud, "Today, I will walk by faith and not sight. I take up the Shield of Faith with which I will extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."