Day 11: God Is My Shield

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward”.
Genesis 15:1

This promise comes after Abraham had won a military victory against the four kings, rescued Lot, and refuses to keep any of the spoils (check out Genesis 14).  

The shield was a very important part of the weapons of a soldier. It was his defense: it would protect him from flying arrows, rocks from slingshots, and from the sword. Abraham knew the value of the shield from this time in battle; his life may have been spared by his shield. After this fight, Abraham must've been very aware of how fragile his life was.

God declares to Abraham that He is his shield and his reward. God promises to be with Abraham and provide everything that he needs for safety and security. We need to hear this promise in 2020. The world as we know it is upside down today; we are all facing varying degrees of uncertainty and challenges due to global pandemic. But God promises to be our shield, to protect us, to provide for us, to be with us even in as we face trials and battles of our own.

Prayer and or Action Steps: 
1. Listen to “Surrounded (Fight My Battles)”
2. Read Psalm 119:114, Psalm 18:30, and Psalm 33:20.  Reflect on times in your life where God has been your shield and refuge. Write some examples down, perhaps in a place where you can see it throughout your day. When you see this reminder, pause, remember, and thank Him.
3. Pray: God, help me use the gifts You have given me to fulfill Your purpose for my life and bring You glory. Lord, I invite you to be the continual shield around me. Protect me from any attack of the Enemy against me. Protect my body, my mind, and my emotions. Do not let the Enemy get a foothold in my life. Father, protect, strengthen, and provide for my family, my community, medical professionals, our leaders, those most at risk from harm.
4. Read 2 Corinthians 1:10-11. It says, ‘He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers'.  In response declare this verse prayerfully over your life and ask Him to renew your hope in Him.