Personally, my shield of faith carries the “emblem” of an eagle with strong wings (Isaiah 40:31). This shield doesn’t mean much, though, when it’s been coated in gold and garnished with precious stones of victories of the past and then hung on the wall or displayed on a shelf – not being used.
There I sat at the feet of my heavenly Father with my battle-dented “shield of faith” in need of serious repair. That was when He once again brought to my attention that, when I’m focusing on problems, I would inadvertently succumb to anxiety and worry. Both of these are of course destructive, proof of my lack of faith in God’s provision and care in this situation.
I turned to my One Year Bible, and the message on that day was very powerful:
1. Psalm 37:34
Wait for and expect the LORD and keep his way and He will exalt you to inherit the land…
:39b He is my refuge and stronghold in the time of trouble. AMP
2. 2 Corinthians 1:22 mentions the warranty of my “shield”:
… set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Thankfully I had made a few notes in the margin of this portion of my Bible, reminding me of John 7:38 (Streams of living water: the Holy Spirit) and
Psalm 46:5 – There is a river whose streams* make the city of God happy***,
The holy dwelling places** of the Most High. NASB
I was able to apply this to myself in my current situation:
* streams of living water – the Holy Spirit (John 7:38)
** temple (holy dwelling place): fellowship of believers / individual believer (1 Corinthians 6:19)
*** fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 1:7)
And this was when I remembered the “Parable” of the two cans of Coke!
One can easily squash the empty can: it succumbs to the pressure from outside. The full can, however, is impossible to squash – the pressure from inside is greater than the pressure from outside. Likewise, if my life is filled with the Holy Spirit, I would be able to withstand the pressures of life – I won’t be so easily discouraged or disturbed. BUT, it is my responsibility to CHOOSE to allow the Holy Spirit to fill me (be giving Him control of my life). And I sensed that my “shield of faith” has been restored and is ready for battle once again!
This is also available in Afrikaans.