Protection is not of caution, but of faith. No man can guard from all directions. From each there are foe and danger, but he who trusts, evokes the greater shield. Much worry is of exposure, of nakedness to the attack, shieldlessness to the arrow- then with worry, even greater exposure. For as one spins for safety in one area, yet another then opens to even a greater foe. Faith is the strength of My children. Protection not given in valor, skill or careful proceeding, but in prayer and trust in the Protector who needs no protection. Each day the faithless mount on worry. Anxiety their steed, carrying them from hiding place to next. Dismounted they regard in the crevice as home, and the shallow hole as safety. They wander not far from the small place. Their call to greater life, mistaken for risk undue, reward as bait. But he who walks in faith knows no boundary, and although the call of God can be heard barely and from afar, he hesitates not on the setting forth. Excited for the call, the first steps are with abandon. His start is not delayed, and his heart is not hindered. Greater is the call than the calamity that awaits; faith far greater than fear of an unknown path. “Forward” he cries, and his foes flee, for in the call, Heaven’s armies arise with him, and the Spirit of Life before him. “My God commands!! I must go!”, through sneer and warning he answers, raising his faith before him. He smiles at the dark path, for his Maker calls him there, and nothing more does he need. This man of faith is the pleasing of heaven, for by the strength in his God he accomplishes his call, and too many follow such, who would not venture on their own. They find in his faith the shield of their own, now lighter in hand as their heart is strengthened. For the testimony of the faithful strengthens the weaker, and in the wake of their movement, the holy pull from the crevice. Look to these, those who fear. Find strength in them, that you would know strength in Me.
Phil 3:17 (ESV) – Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.
1 Thes 1:6 (ESV) – And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.
Eph 6:16 (ESV) – In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.
Bottom Line: We underestimate the powerful shield of faith we are given as children of the most-high God. The pages of scripture are replete of many ordinary men and women that became heroes because they stepped out and lived lives fueled with faith. “Yes, Lord – send me!”. They risked it all, and thousands of years later their stories still inspire millions throughout the globe. God is calling each of us, right where we are, to listen and respond faithfully with our lives. What is it that you have been hearing from the Holy Spirit? Who is around you that will be inspired when you follow? Fuel up with faith. Ignite it with His call, and feel His power in your life!
