In days of old soldiers carried a sword and a shield. The shield had to protect them against their enemy’s sword attacks. Under no circumstances could they lose their shield. Men who threw down their shields and ran away were nothing.

According to tradition, the mother gave the shield to the son and usually said: “Come back with your shield or on it.” This meant that it was better to be carried back dead on your shield than to return without it.

In the same way, we should not throw down our trust in God and run away, because then we won’t have any protection. We won’t be able to withstand the enemy’s attacks; we’ll be easy targets. The instruction applies to everyone: ³⁵So don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion.

When we throw down our faith and trust in God, doubt either causes a crack in our faith or takes our protection away. We’re actually inviting doubt in and doubt is the thing that steals our faith in God bit by bit.

But when we make sure that our faith in God remains strong, no evil attacks will push us off the road. We will be able to stand strong against any attack. We’ll be able to withstand every storm with wisdom and emerge victorious from the battle.

It sounds easy, but if we want to apply this accurately as a truth in our lives, it’s not that easy. Sometimes when a crisis comes knocking at the door, our trust is too weak.

When the doctor gives us the bad news, or the debt collectors come knocking, or you face another salary cut around the corner, doubt and fear move in. It’s as if you’re throwing down your shield, the thing that protects you, that gives you strength, makes you brave, gives you the courage to keep on fighting.

It sounds stupid to think that you would just throw away your shield, your protection. It’s what keeps you alive and protects you against danger. But that is what we do when we allow doubt in and opens the door for faith to leave.

Now I understand why it is actually an instruction. Keep your faith and trust at all costs. Make sure that your faith in God never cracks. Hold onto the knowledge that God will provide through thick and thin. Even though the arrows are flying around our heads. Even though the wind is blowing so strongly you want to fall over. Even though the financial battle is raging around you, faith in God and trusting that the Holy Spirit will protect you and provide a solution is all that you can and must hold onto.

And remember, there will surely be a reward. This is another promise from God that we can and must hold onto!

Scripture
Hebrews 10:32-39

Reflection
Where is your faith running shallow?
What steals your faith?
How can you make this part of your fight?

Prayer
Father, thank you for this confirmation. Help me not to allow my faith to be stolen. Help me hold onto the knowledge and trust that You will always help me! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.