shield of faith

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6:11-17

Among the strategically prescribed pieces of the armor of God, Ephesians tells us, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (v.16).

Why do we need “in all circumstances” to learn to use our “shield of faith"? Because the shield is the armor's armor. The warrior's goal was to extinguish any oncoming dart with his shield to stop all potential damage such as stunning, bruising, or wounding. When the warrior's shield was down, the other pieces of armor were vulnerable.

The same is true in our spiritual warfare. Our toughest battles will invariably concern matters of faith—times when we're tempted to think God's Word and his ways won't work for us or that he has let us down. If Satan can get us to drop our shield of faith, he knows we can't remain standing very long.

The first recorded words that ever came from the serpent's mouth were: “Did God actually say . . . ?” (Genesis 3:1). He used the spade of deceit to sow doubt. Satan, posing as the serpent, knew he couldn't keep Eve from believing in God, so he tempted her not to believe God or trust his motives. Her walk was crippled, her doubt was contagious, and the couple lost the land God had placed under their feet. When Eve dropped her shield of faith, every other piece of spiritual armor became vulnerable. Satan knew she wouldn't remain standing for long. When she fell, she fell hard. I know the feeling.

"In all circumstances,” you and I need to learn to take up our shield of faith. We also desperately need to know the Word of God and wield the “sword of the Spirit” so that when the enemy slyly suggests, “Did God actually say . . . ?” we can know the answer emphatically.

When we respond to attacks of doubt, distortion, and deceit with the shield of faith, the fiery dart is extinguished and the enemy takes another hit. I owe him a few. Do you? —Beth Moore bethmoore.org

seeking: Father, how have I seen your power in a new way? How have you encouraged my heart?

responding: Where do I sense the enemy targeting his fiery darts? • What lies am I believing about God? •What Scriptures could help me combat attacks of doubt, distortion, and deceit?

Father, thank you for providing armor for my protection. I desire to wear and use every piece. Give me strong arms to wield the sword of the Spirit and take up the shield of faith. Be mighty through me, to the praise of your glorious name. In Jesus' name, amen.

following: In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith.

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