“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5
When I read that phrase, a refuge and a shield, two different images come to mind. A refuge is a haven and a place to seek in times when you are tired, weary, and heartbroken. A shield is what protects you in battle as you move forward in fighting.
God is there in both situations. He is the hand reaching out to grab you and rescue you from the storms. His arms provide you a place to find your strength and courage as you heal.
He is the shield that will protect you from the waves that threaten to overcome you, the giants that feel like they can crush you or the lions that you think are waiting to devour you. When you are ready, when you find your strength in Him, He will also be the shield that guards you and keeps the enemy’s shots from hitting you as you march toward what He has prepared for you!!
Ephesians 6: 16 shows us how vital that shield is; when it reminds us to put on the armor of God, it says this about the shield of faith. “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
This verse references the Roman shields of that day that covered the entire body and was fortified so that they could not only stop the enemy’s arrows but put out the flames on the tips. Our faith can do the same thing. We must have steadfast faith that God will provide a way through the battle no matter how many arrows come at us.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1.) While it feels like we can’t see the Finish line, we know that it is there and who will come out victorious. God will be there throughout the journey providing refuge and protection as we move forward.
Following His Lead 