Family Devotion Time: Shell Shocked!

When he made snails and clams, God knew their soft bodies would need some way to stay safe. It became even more important after sin came into the world (Genesis 3). Some pretty fierce predators want to gobble them up. So our wise Creator gave them the ability to grow their own shells.

He provides protection for us, too. He gave us skills to build houses to protect us from wild animals and harsh weather. But he provided something even more important: protection from spiritual attacks. Here’s what this means.

We can’t grow shells, but God gives each of his children spiritual armor that helps them stand their ground when they’re tempted to do wrong (Ephesians 6:10–18). He gives:

• Belt of truth (the Bible’s teaching)
• Shoes of the gospel (the good news about Jesus)
• Shield of faith
• Helmet of salvation
• Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word, the Bible)

God takes care of us even more than any animal that lives in a beautiful shell!

Talk It Over

Read about the Christian’s armor in Ephesians 6. What does a shield of faith and a helmet of salvation mean? (Hint: we need to trust Jesus to get this armor.)

According to the Bible, how else does God protect Christians? (Need another hint? Read 2 Corinthians 10:3–4; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Colossians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 5:21; and Romans 15:13.)

If you know how God has taken care of you, how might that change the way you share Jesus with your friends and neighbors?

Hey Kids!

Buddy Davis here. I love studying seashells because they remind me how God protects his creations—and how he protects us, too!!