Taking up the Shield of Faith
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV)
Do you know the root cause of almost all your problems? It’s not your husband or your job. That’s the fruit of a much bigger problem. The root is satanic attack, and the primary weapon used against us is doubt.
In Ephesians chapter six, Paul instructed us to put on the whole armor of God. He told us to put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, and to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Then he told us to take up the next three pieces: the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.
Roman soldiers carried a large shield measuring about two feet by four feet. It was covered with leather. Before heading into a battle, the Romans dipped their shields in water in order to extinguish the fiery arrows used by their enemy.
Friend, we must use the shield of faith in like manner, because the devil is shooting arrows our way. He shoots arrows of fear and worry. Have you been hit by them? He shoots arrows of rejection and loneliness. He’s targeted me with those. He shoots arrows of discouragement and despair, and his favorite arrow is doubt.
Can you remember a time when you doubted God? Perhaps you didn’t understand how He allowed something tragic to occur. Maybe, you couldn’t see how your circumstances could ever work out for good.
The size of our faith doesn’t matter as much as the One in whom we place our faith, God. He is greater than any arrow the enemy shoots our way. Sometimes, we need a different perspective of our Father, rather than a stronger faith.
Let’s look at our focal verse. The Greek word for evidence means proof. Faith is based on facts, although they are unseen. God loves us so much that His Son left the glories of heaven and came to earth where He died for us. That is a fact. God has saved us for eternity and nothing can change that. Another fact. The Bible is full of true facts that prove God is faithful.
We also have His promises. Instead of just speaking His Word over us, we also must act on His promises as if we believe they are true, without any doubt.
David did not tremble as he faced Goliath with confidence. David trusted God. While shepherding his father’s flocks, he had run to rescue lambs from the fierce jaws of a bear or lion. He had killed the predators with only his slingshot and the Lord. Why would Goliath be any different?
What is your Goliath today? Is there a promise to act on? What holds you back? May I encourage you to get alone with God and His Word and believe the facts? Then I urge you to move forward trusting in God, our shield of faith.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for being my shield. My trust is in You and not in my faith. I have seen evidence of Your love and grace, and You have proved Yourself faithful. Remove the doubt that hinders me from a perfect trust in You. Extinguish the fiery darts the enemy shoots my way. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Proverbs 30:5 (NKJV):
Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
HIKING THE TRAIL
What is the one arrow you need to extinguish today? Doubt, deceit from the enemy, or insecurity? Whatever it is, find some Scripture that speaks to that topic and speak it over yourself. Then live it out.
RELATED RESOURCE
Have you had it with your emotions controlling you? Perhaps menopause or PMS isn’t the only culprit. Sometimes the enemy camouflages mood swings for emotional strongholds, the piece of real estate he occupies in our minds. Is it possible to be the boss of your thoughts and feelings rather than them being the boss of you? Learn more here.
Originally posted on June 4, 2021 @ 3:00 am
For my still most challenging areas are doubt and insecurity. But I will have to say stepping out of my comfort zone is helping remove these day by day as God keep showing me that my call to write is truly His calling.
I see that happening with you.