Defender, Protector & Shield
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We are born again into the Family of God and are safe in our Father’s House! God is our defender and protector! This is true for every follower of Jesus. But if we are not convinced that God is our shield, fear and doubt can creep in.
There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus if we are experiencing fear or doubt. But God invites us to grow in faith, using His Word to combat the enemy of our souls. If we cower to fear, we will doubt the Lord’s promises and live in defeat. But the more we dwell on God’s truth, the more our faith can grow.
In a world rattled by war and violence, we must ground ourselves in the Word of God. Peace can be ours because God Himself is our protector. The Lord has given us His armor and His authority to defeat the attacks of the enemy. We can be confident that He is on our side ready to defend us.
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 NKJV
God’s Word Defends and Protects
It is always better to build up your arsenal before the enemy attacks. The Lord has given us scriptures like Psalm 91 to memorize and repeat until the Words become reality. This Psalm, along with other scriptures can be used in prayer over yourself, your family, neighbors, community and nation. Declare God’s Word over threatening weather. (Mark 4:35-41) We can pray scripture over the nation of Israel and for Christians in persecution. God’s Word, spoken out of our mouths from our hearts is powerful against the devil’s plans. God’s Word spoken in faith from a pure heart can even activate angels to do the will of God. (Psalm 103:20)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121 NIV
Declare God’s Word defensively and offensively against any threat or attack of the enemy. As our defender and our protector God has authorized us to use His Word against the devil. It often takes time to build up our faith. But as we see success, the doubts will subside and our testimonies will increase for His glory!
Doubt Through Disobedience
In order to believe that God will defend us we must have faith and not doubt. (Mark 11:22-25) Faith in God is connected to the way we love Him and others by His Spirit. So, when dealing with issues of faith, begin with the question, “Do I love everyone like Jesus loves them?” That should be settled with the Lord first. Then you will be able to see clearly why He is our shield. (Psalm 3:3) His love is limitless and He loves everyone! Stay in God’s love!
The moment we say “yes” to following Jesus, His Blood cleanses us and we become one with Him. Our faith is in His righteousness, not our own. The Holy Spirit enters us, empowering us to live in God’s light. But if we knowingly disobey God’s Word and do not repent, we are stepping away from light and walking toward darkness. God is patient with us, always giving us another opportunity to follow Him, but He doesn’t defend blatant rebellion. So, stay in the light!
Our Defender Through the Body of Christ
Our brothers and sisters in Christ can lift up a shield of prayer for us during difficult times. Stay in right relationship with the Body of Christ by following the Spirit of love. Personal testimonies of God’s protection will strengthen our faith as well. So, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a good loving church that teaches the truth, and be faithful. The Lord often defends and protects us through the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us make sure we are praying with sincere hearts for one another.
Our Defender in Battle
The Lord is so good! He loves us when our faith is strong and even when it is weak. God knows that our desire is to follow Him wholeheartedly. Jesus warned us that trials would come and that we need to be spiritually prepared. But even if the enemy came in like a flood and we were not prepared, God will not turn us away. We can cry out to the Lord and build up our faith in the heat of battle!
The Lord wants to protect us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. He wants us to pray effectively for situations regarding our lives and others in our world. Our submissive two-way relationship with God through the Holy Spirit is our “yes” to God’s protective shield.
If we blame God for bad things that happen, our faith in Him as Defender and Protector is already corrupt. Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world but to save the world. (John 3:16-17) And if we keep blaming others for our problems instead of seeking God’s healing power, our faith will deteriorate.
We don’t have to live defeated. Our faith in God can grow, leading us to victory. Because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus, nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37) In Christ, all things have become new and we can live without fear and anxiety. Our faith in God as our defender, protector and shield can even change the circumstances around us. Take courage and believe that God is on our side!
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:20 ESV
