In the previous devo "My Strength" I talked about how the dog (enemy) came out of nowhere at an angle and speed in which Abbie only had a few split seconds to react to the attacking dog. Ephesians 6:16 talks about “taking the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.” But a shield is only as effective as the soldier who is trained properly to use it. And even the greatest skilled soldier after numerous years of training and preparation can still be struck by the enemy’s flaming arrows if it is shot by a highly skilled enemy just like Abbie was attacked by the dog.

A fireman wears a protective suit (shield) against the flames when running into a fire to save people’s lives, but still has the possibility of being burned. We as disciples of Christ, fully armored, holding our "shield of faith" as we are running our huddles, teams and prayers groups can still be struck by flaming arrows (or burned). 

The "shield of faith" is not only the preparation in which I’m praying at all times, studying the bible, going to church or FCA huddles. This refining process also serves to see if my heart is going to stay faithful to the Lord and more importantly the manner and attitude in which I go through the healing or humbling process. Then after this process is completed He once again enables me to arise allowing me to bend down to pick up my shield and head out to battle again for His Kingdom. Like the fireman who serves without regard to their own welfare because that is what the job requires of them, we too, need to serve with the same faith, and go forth and make disciples of all men as our great commission requires of us even if it means being burned or hit by “flaming arrows.”