Battle Ready #3 of 5 Christ, A Shield of Faith, June 12
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:15, 16 NIV).
When I worked at an adolescent mental health unit, I typically wore dress shoes. On this day I was wearing tennis shoes, since they would be more suitable in a scuffle. A young man with a history of violence had leveled a direct threat to me and a few other staff members the day before. I trusted it was important not to shy away from the young man’s threats. Dressed in my flannel shirt, a leather belt, laced-up tennis shoes, and a trust in God, I was going to work. I had compassion for the young man, realizing he was acting out of fear. However, I was not going to be naïve. I would not provoke him in any way, but I would be ready in case he acted on his promises.
The Ephesians were living in a predominantly pagan world. The newly formed band of believers was united in their commitment to follow Christ. They were encouraged to be forgiving of one another, even as God in Christ forgave them. Extending forgiveness was a radically different way of life. The pagan society survived on revenge. This young church would need the peace of Christ with them every step of the way. In today’s verse, they were told to shoe their feet “with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Christ would empower them to forgive their enemies and walk in love, as Christ also loved them.
The church was also told the shield of faith would quench the fiery darts of the devil. What a powerful image. If there was any question about the devil’s agenda, this instruction should leave no doubt. The devil’s fiery darts are intended to wreak destruction and cause harm to followers of Christ. Only a firm belief in the promises of God fulfilled in Christ would protect them.
The battlefield of cancer is littered with pitfalls and dangers, sometimes even from those who are supposed to be supportive. Rigid counselors and judgmental comforters can cause harm rather than healing. People offering pity rather than prayer and strength can make the journey an uphill climb. Only Christ can enable you to speak and hear words of forgiveness and love when you feel empty. Christ can protect you from others as well as yourself. Christ working within you and through others will deflect the devil’s painful darts of self-accusations. Sometimes I can be my own worst enemy. How about you? May Christ give you the peace to forgive yourself and others. May He provide you with a protective shield of faith so you are ready for battle even when you feel weak and utterly exposed to the world.
Pray: Lord, only You can help me extend the hand of forgiveness to myself and others. Only You can help me hold the shield of faith as I move forward through this trial. Thank You for being a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Thank You, Lord, for being my “war buddy.” Amen.
Your Turn: Thank God for providing you a shield of faith as you are transformed into a living witness of His love and peace in this broken world.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
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