...Taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one...
A Christain's shield is faith. Faith is taking God at His word without having seen the visible evidence. Standing firm with the shield of faith involves holding fast to the word of the Lord and watching the Lord defend and fight for us. "Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him" [Proverbs 30:5].
Each of us will face difficult situations and temptations of the enemy at one time or another. These are likened to the fiery darts of the enemy. The shield of faith is the protection God has provided to get us through these tests. In a difficult situation, the devil may use fear (false evidence appearing real) to try and get our eyes off Jesus. But our shield of faith will deflect that attack with the belief that nothing is too hard for the Lord. In temptation, the devil will try to make us believe the lie that sin can provide a better life than God can. However, our shield of faith will deflect that attack with the belief that God has provided all we need.
If the devil can get you to doubt God, he gains temporary victory in your life. The effectiveness of your shield of faith largely depends on your concept of God. This is because it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. If you are not convinced that God exists or that He rewards those who diligently seek Him, you will have difficulty putting your faith in God. If you are not convinced that God knows better than you do or that He still work miracles, you will probably buckle under the devil's fiery darts.
Rather than allowing life's circumstances to dictate your perception of God, allow God's Word to tell you the truth about Him. As you read and hear truth about God from His Word, your faith will increase. When a verse or passage in the Bible becomes alive to you for your specific situation, that is hearing from God. When you hear from God, your faith is strengthened. By skillfully handling the shield of faith in knowing Who your Loving Father is and what His Word says, you can overcome all the fiery darts of the enemy. Stand firm with the shield of Faith.
Prayer: My Loving Father, the LORD who does not change, I thank You for You are a shield for me, my glory and the lifter up of my head . I thank You for the measure of faith You have given to me as a defensive and offensive weapon when the enemy throws his fiery darts in my direction. Father, I pray that as I spend time with Your word, that it will become alive to me and strengthen my faith. In Jesus Name, Amen.
One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Oct. 15 2010 - Zechariah 9-10 (OT), Jude 1 (NT).
God’s Love and Mine…
