Letting My Faith Be My Shield

In review of Ephesians 6:16 it says, “Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Bottom Line:

Let your faith be a shield, it will stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one

What this means to me:

At all times I’m to carry and use my faith as a shield; for with it I will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Today’s passage comes from the last part of Ephesians, where Paul speaks of using the armor that God provides. He tells me to be strong and put on all of God's armor so that I will be able to stand firm against the strategies of the enemy. For I'm not fighting against flesh and blood but rather the evil rules and authorities of this unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

I therefore should arm myself with every piece of God's armor so that I can resist the enemy in the time of evil and stand strong. I'm to put on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, I am to put on peace that comes from the Good News so that I'll be fully prepared. In addition, I should hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Lastly I am to put on salvation as my helmet, and take on the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. I am to pray in at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in my prayers for others.

So when I first believed in Christ, the enemy and his army became my enemy. They have the ultimate goal of defeating Christ's church. As such they will try every device to turn me away from Him, and His work and back to my sin. Although I'm assured of victory, I must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord's side. I need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided this by giving me his Holy Spirit within me and his armor that surrounds me.

Today I read, “If what I’m doing doesn’t produce resistance, it isn’t worth doing. If I’m doing what God has called me to do and I’m neck-deep in hot water, shout Hallelujah! For I would be in the perfect place for God’s richest blessings.”

I should consider that kites rise against the wind, not with it. Ships sail against the tide. So when something happens in my life, what do I do? Sing or complain? I should start working with God to resolve situation or sink back into the recliner and moan another verse of “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen”?

Trials will always be part of life. What will I do when that day comes for me? In the life of a Believer, the only answer is to cry out to God and put on your spiritual armor so that when the enemy shoots in my direction, his darts will not penetrate my protective shield.

What am i waiting for? I should take a stand today for righteousness’ sake. Insulate myself with the Word of God and then fight! Greater is He who is within me than he that is in the world.

I needed this reminder this morning. Seems recently not facing much opposition. I know I have a new assignment that I have undertaken, but I’ve let myself become complacent / take a back seat in accomplishing it. I’m certain that this is the enemy at work, keeping me for doing work that can help build the kingdom. Today I need to re-engage and re-focus myself. I should already know that I will face opposition, so I should be prepared.