Shield of Faith
The Roman Empire’s Army was the largest and meanest fighting force in the ancient world. One of the main reasons the Roman Empire became so powerful and for so long was because the strength of its army. Their army was very advanced for its time: The soldiers were the best trained, they had the best weapons, and they had the best armor.
Armor is one of the most important parts of any soldier’s equipment. The armor of the Roman Empire Army was mainly comprised of a shield. The shield was made from two sheets of wood that were glued together and then covered with canvas and leather. It was curved and considered a body shield. It was heavy, about 25 pounds. However, despite the hefty weight to carry continually, this shield could be used not only to protect, but also to fight. A soldier would hold out the shield with his arm and run towards their enemy, knocking them down. The shield was big enough to stand behind to protect the soldier during hand to hand combat, and it was used in tactics with groups of soldiers (called a century) to create a “Tortoise Shell,” completely covering them from arrows and spears being hurled at them.
When Ephesians was written, it was during the peak of the Roman Empire’s power. Everyone in the “known world,” knew of Rome and its Army, mostly because they had been conquered by them. So, it’s no wonder that Paul used this analogy of their armor to describe our walk as Christians, and using the shield to describe faith; everyone was familiar with it.
Much like a Roman soldier, my faith is going to be the main mechanism of defense in the war raging against my soul. The other aspects of my armor are important; however, without my shield to protect me, I am at serious risk of injury. Faith is an active defense because I am placing my confidence and trust in God, even if I can’t see the end result. I have to know Him and His character. It is trusting that the strength of my shield is going to hold in the battle. Going through difficult battles will allow me to gain the experience and knowledge that builds a stronger confidence in God because I see He is faithful to His character and His promises in the midst of the war.
The shield of faith can be heavy to carry sometimes. I can struggle with carrying my shield when I am going through a difficult time, such as the upheaval of my life during a pandemic and my country being more divided and tense than recent memory. When my feelings start to control my thoughts, the first thing I want to do is drop the heavy shield and pick up the problems of the world in the form of worry, anxiety, and depression. However, it is in those wrestling moments that I need to grip my shield as tight as I can and pull it close. This will protect me from the fiery arrows and spears being thrown at my mind and heart from the enemy of my soul. I am able to pull my shield closer by engaging in worship, reading my bible, and praying. By doing these things, I am able to knock the enemy off balance from his motive to devour me. These weapons of worship, the Word, and prayer allow me to fight back. My shield of believing in God and who He says He is gives me the protection I need from the enemy during these battles.
Finally, my shield can be united with other believers to offer protection from aerial attacks. I can join other believers who can use their shield to protect me, and I them, as we advance on strong holds that the enemy may have taken. A stronghold in my life has been a constant struggle wrestling with the wound of rejection, which has played out as an unhealthy relationship with food, and therefore my weight. When I share this with other believers, they can be praying for me, encouraging me, keeping me accountable, reminding me of God’s truth, and helping me fight the lies that swirl around my head and heart.
As I walk this Christian life, I need the reminder that I am in a battle and need to put my armor on everyday. What good is my shield of faith if I leave it back at camp? I have to pick it up and bring it with me, so that I am prepared for any battle that may arise. To my home, my family, my church, the grocery store, friends’ homes, work, to my neighbors, and anywhere else this journey of life may take me. Is my shield ready? Do I trust in its ability to do what is suppose to do in this battle? If my answer is no, then I need to get reacquainted with my shield. How about you? Are you battle ready? Or, maybe you’re like me, and you need to go back to some basic maneuvers to get reacquainted with your shield. It’s okay to check in with your commanding officer and get refreshed on the battle plan. He will be so glad you and I did.
Points to Ponder:
1. How has your shield of faith been heavy in your life?
2. Think of a difficult time that God brought you through: how did that grow your faith?
3. What are some of your wrestling moments right now? What can you do today to grip your shield closer to you?
4. Who do you know that you can unite shields with to battle for a stronghold in your life?
Megan Sinisi absolutely adores a good cup of coffee, chocolate, and sitting with people to share life stories. She is a native to Las Vegas, born and raised, and has four beautiful children with her handsome husband, Vincenzo. She is a counselor, specializing in the field of addictions, with multiple certifications, both in Nevada and nationally. She directed Nevada’s largest treatment court and has been building her private practice since 2014, acquiring contracts with the City of Las Vegas, City of Henderson, Clark County Special Defender’s Office, and Zappos.com. It is because of her own journey of healing and through her career that she has learned the wounds we have can begin to be healed as we share our stories. She considers it an honor when someone shares their story with her, and hopes that as she shares her stories of victory and healing that others can be inspired, encouraged, and challenged. Megan has a love and fervor for writing and is walking in faith that God is calling her to use that passion and gift for His glory. She is someone who is known for her honesty and transparency that brings light to difficult situations and feelings, and offers hope and encouragement for the journey of life. It is her hope that by sharing her journey, it encourages, challenges, inspires, comforts, and most importantly, shines the light of Jesus and the reality of His love, grace, and mercy. You can find more from Megan at www.meganjsinisi.com And @meganjsinisi on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.