The armor of God includes a shield as an essential piece of equipment. This shield is needed to “extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). The believer’s shield is not constructed with wood like the ones that the Roman soldiers carried. Our shields are built with faith.
It is important to understand that there are two kinds of faith—saving faith and daily faith. Saving faith takes place when we trust in Jesus as the One who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Saving faith is a one-time-for-all-time event that moves us out of the darkness into God’s wonderful light.
The shield of faith is comprised of our daily faith. This trust is ongoing. Daily faith is exercised continually as we maneuver life’s circumstances and challenges. Daily faith is a result of saving faith. Since God has rescued us from sin and eternal death (saving faith), he is more than capable of providing all we need during our days on earth (daily faith). Jesus said it like this.
Matthew 6:28-30
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Jesus spoke these words as he sat on the side of a mountain. One can only imagine the lilies blowing in the breeze around him. Jesus, the Master Teacher, used the beautiful fragrant flowers to drive home his powerful point—God cares enough for the grass of the field to provide it with color and beauty, so don’t worry because he will provide for you too. He will give you everything you need. And…there are important truths about trust we must know.
- God works on his schedule, not ours. Trust involves patience.
- God will give us what we need, not always what we want. Trust involves surrender.
- God will have us participate in his provisions. Trust involves partnership.
- God always has our best interests in mind. Trust involves submission.
So, two concluding questions: Can you TRUST God? Can YOU trust God?
Father, thank you for reminding us of the love and care you have for your children. Help us worry less and trust more. Help us use worry as the trigger to trust. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I am enjoying your devotionals every day. They give me hope and peace to learn about God in my everyday life.
Thank you for the time and effort that you put into sending these to us each and every day. I am so blessed to have found this church. You and Dave and your staff display the grace of God in all you do.
May the Lord bless you ,
Sharon Shannon