Shields Locked...Moving Forward

Going into the deep can be scary...the unknowns can at times freak us out.  I was messaging with a friend this morning and the thought occurred to me that to be willing go into the deep waters knowing that grace is there with you is really amazing when you let it sink (no pun intended...LOL) in.  My friend pointed out that it is these things that either drive us away or drive us deeper.  We both agreed we wanted deeper.  No matter how painful the process, it is worth it to know our God on a deeper level and in that process find peace.  Yes, there are times I reach out to a small circle of friends who I know will push me deeper into grace, to keep on keeping on, which is exactly how God designed it.  To lock shields with others in prayer is such a blessing and I am thankful for those friends who listen to my heart and tell me the painful truths to remind me that this journey isn't about me.  I need that at times...sometimes often times.  We are doing battle on a narrow road.  I read this today as I searched out how the soldiers locked shields (phalanx battles) in ancient times.  It was interesting to me that the phalanx is not about who can kill more of the opposition but who can destroy the moral of the opposition to claim victory on the battlefield. They would lock their shields together to make a human wall. They would march in formation towards their adversaries until they got to a close proximity and then hasten to a quicker pace before colliding into their opposition, they would also have their spears projected out between their shields.  It gave them a more defensive cover when they locked their shields.  It seems fitting that as believers we lock our "shields" together to help each of us gain ground in growing in grace and knowledge.  In prayer for one another and encouraging one another in Scriptures, we can lock shields together and make progress against the enemy (the devil) and have victory.

Isaiah 43:1 - 5a
"But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
² When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
³ For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
⁴ Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
⁵ Fear not: for I am with thee:

(Information on phalanx fighting taken from History of the Phalanx)