The Shield of Faith

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

Deliverance from temptations and trials requires the right kind of armor. Paul says: “In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith” (Eph. 6:16). Why the emphasis on the shield? Paul may have been thinking of the large, rectangular type of shield which soldiers used in his day. It protected every part of the body since it was large enough to hide behind. If you take your firm stand behind the shield of faith, it will protect:

- Your head. Your thoughts are vitally important in the battle to conquer self and sin. The shield of faith can stop Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, greed, deceit, lust, and sensuality.

- Your heart. The driving motivation of your life can find protection behind the shield of faith. This is the core of your being, the seat of your affections.

- Your hands. Our offensive weapon (God’s Word) is wielded by the strong arm of the Christian soldier. Read the Word; be prepared to use its power.

- Your feet. The pathway is open to the one who trusts the shield of faith. As you trust, you’ll be able to go where God wants you.

The shield of faith - don’t leave home without it.

Faith is believing what God says, simply because it is God Who says it.