Covering Fire

It is as if a hand reaches down from the heavens, placing words of comfort and assurance directly into our hearts: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”

In these moments of comfort, we are given a glimpse of how God uses his heavenly hosts—the angels—to guide, comfort, and protect us. But these promises become profoundly real the moment we step out of our comfort zones to share God’s Word with others.

“A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, ‘Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.’ … Then he continued, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.'” (Daniel 10:10-12)

Evangelism often looms before us like an immovable mountain. That is exactly the picture the enemy wants us to see. Stepping out to proclaim the gospel can trigger an intense fear—a paralyzing sense of exposure. But the same God whose majesty is reflected in the highest mountain peaks is the One who equips us to step into the thick of it. By trusting in his promises, we take the emphasis off our pride and place it squarely on God’s power.

When a Christian shares God’s Word with an unbeliever, they are stepping onto the front lines of a fierce spiritual battle. Yet, God calls us not to be afraid, but to engage. He fits us from his own stockpile of weapons by providing the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6).

But there is something even more profound that God provides for those who share his Word.

Think of a classic action movie where the lead character is trapped under heavy fire. To move to a better, more strategic position, they must run out into the open. What do they do? They yell to their partners for “cover.” Their team immediately open fire, emptying their weapons to distract the enemy and keep them pinned down. Without that covering fire, the hero becomes an easy target.

Throughout the Bible, there are moments when God pulls back the curtain, opening another dimension to let his servants see legions of angels doing exactly this. They are providing cover. They are engaging the enemy in a spiritual battle. They are actively running interference against demonic forces so the believer can move into a strategic position to share God’s Word. When you are given a divine opportunity to proclaim the gospel, the Lord is providing covering fire for you.

We can take to heart the command: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” God does not merely hand you a suit of armor and wish you luck; he sends his heavenly hosts to provide the cover you need to carry out his commission.

You are not alone!