The family discovered why the park was empty on such a nice day. As their two children were playing, a swarm of bees attacked. Though the stings were painful and resulted in tears, all eventually recovered from their multiple stings.

The Bible teaches that the believer in Christ is attacked by “the flaming arrows of the evil one” Eph. 6:16. Though not bees, the flaming arrows can fly at us when we least expect them. Such flaming arrows may fly at us in the form of threats, fearful temptations, false accusation, betrayal, hateful words, angry attitudes, and doubts.

In Bible days the flaming arrows came from all directions in battle and were intended to create confusion and fear, tempting the soldier to run and throw away his shield which was large enough to protect his whole body. The soldier’s victory lay in trusting the water soaked shelter of the shield.

We are God’s children and He has not left us unprotected. We have a “shield of faith”, immediately available, that can “extinguish all of them” (vs. 16).

Immediately turning to the Lord, we are sheltered. Placing our trust in Him the threat is extinguished. The attack is turned back and our confidence grows even stronger. We continue on, undeterred in our commitment. Our shield is soaked in the victory of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit. He extinguishes the fire and we are delivered from the power of the enemy.

Pastor Greg Brownell

United Brethren Church

Dayton