For years as a stay-at-home mom, I felt it was my duty to protect my children from as many of the world’s woes as I could. I tried to shield them from the darkness and fill them with light by pointing them to Jesus. I tried to plant the seeds of the gospel into their hearts and teach them how to live according to the scriptures. I prayed for them that they would love God and love others on His behalf. But the woes of the world kept coming and the older my children became, the less effective I became at being a human shield. Many arrows—the distractions, temptations, and deceptions of the world—got past me. Many of them went straight into the hearts of my children whom I loved dearly, but seemed to be losing the ability to protect.

I grew weary and exhausted trying to fight the good fight. I was trying to stand in the gap and be faithful, but the arrows were relentless. I felt battered and bruised. Years of acting as a shield was taking its toll.

One night in anguish, I cried out to God and He reminded me (as He often does, so gently through His word) that I couldn’t really save my children. Only He could do that. I had done well in making an effort to protect them, of course, but ultimately only He could be their Savior.

In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33b

The reason I had grown weary is that I was never called to be a human shield against the flaming arrows of the evil one. Instead, I was called to carry a spiritual shield of faith in Christ, the One who has already overcome the darkness of the world.

This distinction was pivotal for me as my children began to grow older and leave home. I could no longer protect them even if I wanted to, but what could I do? Keep pointing them to Jesus. Keep standing in the gap for them in prayer. Teach them how to pick up their own shields of faith. And trust the Lord to keep His promise that I would one day reap a harvest if I don’t give up.

Let us not grow weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

So if you find yourself weary—exhausted from being pummeled by arrows, heart heavy from battles you cannot win—remember this: you were never meant to be the Savior. You were invited to be faithful. The weight you are carrying was never yours to bear alone.

Lay down the role of primary protector and pick up the posture of trust. Lift your shield of faith, not in your own strength, but in His. The God who loves your children even more than you do has not lost sight of them. Not one arrow escapes His notice. Not one prayer you have whispered has been in vain.

Keep planting seeds. Keep praying. Keep trusting.

Because even when you cannot see it, God is at work—guarding, pursuing, redeeming. And in His perfect time, there will be a harvest.

Do not give up.

Scriptures referenced: Ezekiel 22:30; I Corinthians 3:6-7; I Timothy 6:12; Ephesians 6:10-17