As I was exercising today, I had a vision…in it I saw a large shield going before me. It was a reinforcement of the scripture that reads…
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
When I saw this shield, instead of me holding the shield, it was moving on its own and I was positioned behind it. Oh, how I am grateful for the protection of the Lord. Immediately I knew God was telling me to stop standing in one place hiding, but instead to move forward confidently because His shield was clearing the way. He was already protecting me.
Active faith moves us from simply having a defensive posture to an offensive posture. We can advance confidently. We don’t simply have to stand and protect where we are…instead we can have forward movement and trust God to clear our path.
When I first really gave my life to the Lord, I spent so much time praying protection over this and that and it was seemingly an unending battle. I felt like if I missed one occasion to pray protection, then I was doomed. Now I realize that I simply lacked faith. I prayed and knew He’d protect me, but I thought it was from my works…I now know that His protection is absolute over my life. He stands guard over me, the same way I guard my children. It’s not dependent on their actions, it’s just something I do, because they are mine. You see? He is our shield. Faith is our shield.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You. Psalm 84:11-12
Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. Psalm 33:20-22
As sons and daughters of God, we walk under a protection. When we ask Jesus into our heart, we become children of God…this means He is our Father…and from that position we move under His protective eye.
I know this is something we are taught often, but do you really believe it?
That’s the key…to truly believe and become confident in who you are as a child of God. He goes before us and behind us. He is above and below us. He hems us in. That’s a lot of safety.
Imagine the territory you could occupy if you only believe. Believe in His protection. Believe in His good plans. Believe.
God, I thank You for grafting me into the family tree of heaven. I can’t adequately express my affection for you. You are so great, and I am consumed with my love for You. Help me to be more comfortable with who I am in You. Help my mind and heart to truly believe that You are always my Shield. Forgive me for my unbelief. I trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 