"COVER ME"

Scripture: Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [Ephesians 6:16, AMP]

Devotion: The Roman soldier went into battle with various pieces of armor to protect himself. The piece of armor that is most notable is the shield. I wanted a visual of this image and searched for them, specifically the oblong shield referred to as the scutum. What I noticed among all those images, is that when the soldier was in an active position, whether on the offense or defense, the shield was advanced forward and/or over him. In other words, the shield was put out in front of the soldier and/or over him as well. In these ways, the shield functioned as protection and a covering against fiery darts from the enemy or other assaults against the soldier. So think of it this way as it relates to our lives. We acknowledge that battles happen daily, in various forms and scenarios. Therefore, we know that we are actively engaged in some type of daily challenge which could be considered big or small. But when we activate the shield of faith [our belief and trust in God] it must act on our behalf. In the same way the Roman soldier used the shield to protect and cover him from attacks of the enemy, we must use the shield of faith to protect and cover us. Reflection: Ponder this - the shield (faith) is what covers the rest of the armor pieces that God gives to us by using the whole armor of God. Just like the Roman soldier, if he was without a shield, he was left exposed and open. The shield provides protection in a way that the other armor pieces do not. Grab a hold of the shield, and use it because your life depends on it. Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise you and we bless you! Thank you for the shield of faith for which You have given us. For in Christ Jesus we are victorious! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen! Sis Tee