The Courage to Be a Shield

A fortress isn't designed for comfort; it's designed for conflict. It's a battle station. Its walls are meant to take blows, to stand firm while everything outside is in chaos. We love the idea of the church being a safe haven, a place of peace. But what if God has also called it to be something far more rugged? What if He has called it to be a fortress, a shield designed to protect something precious by taking the hits?