Let's read a little further in Ephesians 6 until we arrive at verse 16: In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The TLB translation says: In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.
Flaming, fiery arrows of the enemy? Faith as a shield? So, how exactly does this work in our daily lives? Faith is the assurance of things we hope for and the evidence of things we cannot see (Heb. 11: 1). Faith basically means that we do not doubt the existence of God, that we accept the Bible as His Word, and that we know He keeps His promises. If we can see that kind of faith (assurance) as a shield, we will understand that it will ricochet everything that brings doubt or goes against God's Word.
Everything yes, because flaming arrows are fired at us on a daily basis; thoughts that suddenly enter our heads or our hearts ... Is it all true? Does God Really Love Me? Have I been forgiven? Is the Bible actually true? etc. etc. We can extinguish those fiery arrows (meant to set our thoughts and feelings on fire) with faith.
The kind of faith that makes us say aloud: Jesus is the truth, God loves me with an everlasting love, Jesus has completely forgiven me of all sin, and His Word endures forever. I dare you to raise that shield when all kinds of lies and doubts about God and His Word are coming your way. Go right against it, proclaim the truth. This is how we fight the spiritual battle.
Amen, Marja! Let us keep our shields of faith up and ready to deflect the snares of the enemy.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yep, let's keep 'm up. I met too many people who let their shields down.
DeleteMarja: I did some research on the shield of faith several years ago. At the time of of the New Testament, a shield covered the soldiers ENTIRE body. This was something that made me think. When we exercise our faith, that shield protects us completely. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThe entire body, that is also the entire body of Christ, we need to exercise our faith corporately as well. Thanks for the thoughts Cecelia, appreciate it!
DeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteThanks Patrica, glad that you visited.
DeleteI have heard several talk about this today. This was confirmation for me to not slack but gird up my loins . Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteWhen that happens we need to be alert indeed, glad to be of service!
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