Oil the Shields..

These were the words I heard from the Lord as I prayed recently. I had a picture of shields that were bright, shiny and polished. They reflected such a bright light that the reflection was blinding.

This verse in Isaiah 21:5 says

“Rise up, captains, oil the shields!”
Isaiah 21.5

The instruction here is to get ready and be prepared for battle. In those days the soldiers needed to oil their shields to get them ready otherwise the shields became brittle and fragile. The shields would not be fit for purpose and would break easily.

We are encouraged as believers to:

“in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6.16

The Lord is encouraging us to pick up and use our shields of faith against those flaming arrows of the enemy.

Keeping them prepared and oiled with faith in God’s Holy Word, faith in His love for us, faith in His Grace, faith in His promises, faith in His provision, faith in His judgment, faith in His power, faith in His son Jesus and what He has accomplished through his death and resurrection, faith in the authority of the name of Jesus which is above all other names, faith in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us.

Faith in the goodness of God.

Whatever arrows are coming against us and whether sent singly, or the unexpected shots across our bow, or sent multiple times, or a volley and barrage of them, let us with our oiled shields held high in faith distinguish and nullify them.

Let us be prepared for them.

Let us raise our shields and cover those who may not have strength for today as we unite, lock our shields together and stand with them in prayer.

Bless you my friends.