Faith is your shield against life’s arrows. It protects you from doubt, fear, and temptation, and it grows even stronger when linked with the faith of others.
Perhaps one of the most impressive elements of a Roman soldier’s armor was his shield.
Almost as tall as he was, it was made of wood and covered in leather. Before the fight, soldiers soaked their shields in water so that when fiery arrows came, the flames would fizzle out on impact.
Also, one shield could protect a soldier. But when the soldiers stood side by side, their shields formed a wall. Together, they were nearly unstoppable.
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16)
Those arrows still come, aiming straight for your heart and mind: doubt, fear, temptation, lies….
Alone, you might feel vulnerable. But with faith raised high, those arrows lose their power.
It means when doubts creep in, you remind yourself of God’s promises.
When temptations try to pull you down, you stand on God’s strength instead of your own.
And when fear whispers, you silence it with faith that God is still in control.
Faith also grows stronger in community.
Just like soldiers locked their shields together, your faith is fortified when you link arms with your family, your church, and your brothers and sisters in Christ.
So today, lift up your shield.
Let your faith block the lies, the doubts, and the fears.
Stand beside others and help them raise theirs, too.
