The Shield of Faith

Shields are designed to protect us from attacks. In the spiritual battle we find ourselves in, we need protection from the relentless attacks of our enemy, Satan. Paul tells us to take up the shield of faith. But what does that look like?

Remember, Paul has already told us to fasten the belt of truth around our waist, put on the breastplate of righteousness, and fit our feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Now he tells us to take up the shield of faith. These pieces of armor work together. We know the truth, we stand in the righteousness Christ provides, and we carry the gospel of peace. But when the enemy launches his flaming darts of doubt, deception, discouragement, and temptation, we must trust the LORD and what He has said. Faith doesn’t mean the enemy stops attacking. Faith means we trust God even in the midst of the enemy’s attacks.

As I write this, I am currently in Israel, looking out over Jerusalem. There is something about being in this land that always bolsters my faith in Jesus. Walking the roads, seeing the landscapes, and visiting the places where Jesus lived and ministered reminds me that our faith isn’t built on a fairy tale or some abstract philosophy. Jesus entered real history. He walked on this earth. He taught real people, healed the sick, suffered and died on a real cross, and rose from the dead! Of course, simply visiting these places doesn’t prove every claim of Christianity, and our faith doesn’t depend on being able to travel here. But seeing the land where these events unfolded brings the biblical accounts to life in a fresh way. It reminds me that Jesus is who He said He is, that He accomplished what He came to do, and that He is alive and still at work in this world today. When doubts creep in or the enemy whispers lies about God’s goodness, faith directs my attention back to the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done. And that truth helps shield me from the enemy’s attacks.

But there is another aspect of the shield of faith that I don’t want us to miss. Unlike a helmet, a breastplate, or a pair of shoes, a shield can be extended to help protect someone standing beside us! Roman soldiers understood this well. They sometimes formed a defensive formation called the testudo, or “tortoise,” in which they positioned their shields together to provide protection for the entire group. One soldier’s shield alone could cover only so much. But when soldiers stood together, each contributing the protection their shield provided, they could create a much stronger defense.

Isn’t that a beautiful picture of the Church? 

We aren’t meant to fight our spiritual battles alone. When a brother or sister is struggling with doubt, we can remind them of God’s promises. When someone is discouraged, we can point them back to the faithfulness of Jesus. When another believer is under attack, we can pray with them, encourage them, and help them hold fast to the truth. Sometimes, our faith can help shield someone else’s faith until they are strong enough to stand more firmly again.

So, how is your shield of faith? Are you trusting the LORD and holding fast to His Word when the enemy attacks? And are you standing close enough to other believers that you can help shield them, too?

Take up the shield of faith. Trust Jesus. Stand firm in the truth. And don’t forget to stand together.