When I was in PK there was a boy in my class that bullied my best friend. It made me mad, and I told him I was going to bring my daddy to school the next day to protect my friend. Not sharing this plan with my father, I asked my mother if daddy could take me to school the following day. Of course, he was delighted to do so, and proudly marched me into my classroom as an unknowing accomplice to my plan. As soon as we stepped over the threshold I grabbed my dad’s hand, pointed to that mean 4-year-old, and said, “There he is, Daddy! He is mean to my friend!” As you can imagine the poor child burst into tears and hid behind a desk. He was scared to death (but he never bothered my friend again!).
There are many times throughout my life I have had the courage to stand for what I believe, and there are countless other times I was too afraid to be bold. When I ponder what gave me the courage to stand up, I realize I gained strength because of the protector by my side.
I am thankful for the people God has placed in my life that I could derive strength from. I am a strong woman that can stand on her own two feet, but we all need people around us that will stand in the gap to be our shield.
This childhood memory when I brought my “defender” to class with me filled my mind as I had my quiet time this week. God’s words spoke clearly as I read: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield…” (Genesis 15:1 ESV). God had come to Abraham in a dream during a time of doubt.
Why are we not to fear? Because God says, “I am your shield.” Other translations for shield are protect, defend.
I am your shield. I will protect you. I will defend you.
The words of the Apostle Paul to the Christians and Jews in Rome makes God’s promise of protection even more powerful. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV).
When I face fear, I repeat these words to myself to remind me of the truth of God: I am your shield. I am your protector. I will defend you. I am FOR YOU, therefore who can stand against you?
When I lack courage, I imagine myself as that little 4-year-old girl who wanted to stand up for her friend but knew she needed someone bigger and stronger by her side. I raise my hand to God and say, “Hold my hand. Be my shield. Protect me.” And in my heart, I hear God say, “Hold tight, little one. I’ve got this. I will defend you!”
Together with you,
Lisa Lou