“In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith…“ (Ephesians 6:16).

It’s not too hard to understand what’s expected of us as Christians when big and unexpected events bring us to our knees. During such times, we are called on by the Apostle Paul to “take up the shield of faith.” But what about those times when we feel overwhelmed by a barrage of lesser events? That’s been the case for me this past week.

Over the course of the past week, my computer has twice been infected with a serious virus, one daughter’s car is in need of repairs plus her computer is not functioning properly, my grandson became ill, an additional vehicle needs new brakes, and I felt ill earlier in the week with no opportunity to stay home to rest. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining (even though it sounds like it). What I’m saying is that according to Paul we are to take up the shield of faith “in all circumstances,” which certainly includes major faith-stretching events; but in particular, it includes the ongoing presence of lesser things as well. I’m certain you know exactly what I mean.

Here’s what I learned over the past seven days. Each time something new cropped up, I told God the following: “I don’t like this. It gets in the way of what I had planned. Yet I know you are in control and oversee my life. I trust you for _____.” Frankly, I found myself saying that on multiple occasions throughout the week.

As I did so, here’s what was reinforced for me as I sought to take up the shield of faith. God is so very good to us when we make an attempt to heed Paul’s words. Each time something new cropped up, God provided me with a renewed sense of peace. Frankly, it was a very good feeling to be on the receiving end of his generous and continuous peace. It’s a lesson I hope to carry through as I continue to learn to exercise faith in all circumstances.

Now how does this apply to you? Well, for many of us, it’s not the huge wound that hurts the most, but rather the multiple paper cuts that tend to bleed us of faith. At times, it seems as though they just keep coming. Now there’s no way I can know all the faith challenges you have faced this past week, or will face in the week ahead. Some may be huge, while others may be less so, but many in number.

Here’s what I continue to learn, and trust you will learn as well. God expects us to trust him in all circumstances. All means all, no matter their nature, frequency or magnitude. It’s only as we take up the shield of faith that the “flaming darts of the evil one” are extinguished. Make no mistake. Flaming darts are on their way, aimed directly at you. God asks us to do something as they arrive. We are to take something up. Would you join with me in taking up the shield of faith in all circumstances?