The Shield of Faith

Ephesians 6:16 “In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” This morning, one of our portfolio company CEOs called me with an issue that could be somewhat existential. After listening to the situation, I responded by telling him that we’d get through it, that he had my support, and that I trusted him to overcome the obstacle. I also told him I’d be praying for him. Calming CEOs down in the midst of firefighting constitutes a good portion of my job, so this episode wasn’t so out of the norm. What was surprising though was the sense of peace and conviction I felt in the midst of a volatile situation. This morning I felt God lead me to the passage about the armor of God in Ephesians 6. Specifically, the shield of faith that “stops the fiery arrows of the devil” really resonated somehow. In plenty of other instances, fiery arrow thoughts like “this company is going to die and you’ll be the laughingstock of town” or “xyz person is not returning your phone call because you’re not important” can easily take root and bounce around the echo chamber of my soul. But when I’m closer to God and I lift my shield of faith, thoughts like “I am a good God, and I have the best in store for you” block out all of these fiery arrows. No weapon formed against me can prosper. Lord, it’s just so obvious that you are the answer. Help me to have more faith to deflect the fiery arrows that constantly come my way. You are so good! In Jesus’ name, Amen.