The answer is: Shield

Eph 6:16

In Ephesians 6:16, faith is likened to a shield, illustrating its protective nature in the spiritual battle that life often resembles. The ancient Romans extensively used shields, both for defense and as a part of their fighting strategy. These shields were not just any metal pieces; some were large and covered in layers of wood and linen, making them especially effective at blocking incoming arrows. This imagery gives us a clear graphic picture of how faith acts in our lives.

Imagine being on a battlefield—stress, tension, and worries come at you like flaming arrows. It's your faith, that sturdy shield, that deflects negativity and protects your heart from despair. In the same chapter of Ephesians, we see the mention of the "sword of the Spirit," another item of warfare designed for offense rather than defense. This juxtaposition reminds us that faith is essential not only in warding off enemy attacks but also in propelling us forward into positive action and truth.

Many believe that the phrase “the just shall live by faith” found in several parts of the Bible echoes this need for reliance on faith as both shield and guiding force, perhaps connecting believers across time with shared collective experiences. Therefore, just as a soldier diligently maintains their shield, we are encouraged to cultivate and strengthen our faith so we can stand firm against life’s challenges, fully supported and protected by our inner beliefs.