The fourth element of the armor of God is the shield of faith. ​(Ephesians 6:10-17) Shields were used to intercept and block attacks. They were often painted with one’s coat of arms. Interestingly, in the 21st century, they’re still used by military and police units that specialize in anti-terrorist actions, hostage rescue, riot control and siege-breaking.

Apparently, we still need shields, because the attacks keep on comin’​. ​This poem about the Civil War by Longfellow boosts my faith. Here are a couple of verses.

“It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearthstones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The Wrong shall fail
The Right prevail
With peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

​We don’t know what the future holds, but we can firmly believe God will show us our part. Maybe that’s a big piece of what’s going on. God showing us our part. Our part in representing truth and light, peace and goodwill. I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely gonna need the shield of faith in this process.