Ephesians 6:13-17 - Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breast plate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
Now that we have put on our base armor, Paul tells us "In addition to all this", take up the shield of faith. The "shield" that Paul refers to is a big shield, about four feet tall and made to connect to one to another. Made with iron, wood, linen and leather; the shield would have multiple layers (with a gap between) of wood wrapped in linen and then covered with leather. The shield was design to absorb flaming arrows from the enemy.
But our shield, is the shield of faith and the flaming arrows we face daily are the schemes of our enemy. Each lie, doubt, temptation and attack are a flaming arrow. How do we put out those flaming arrows? Through our faith and trust in God's character, promises and timing.
Jeremiah 28:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Romans 8:32 - He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie, not a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Philippians 4:19 - And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
His promises are good and he doesn't lie. Where are you in "faith" right now? Are you trusting God? Are you putting faith in what he has done and will continue to do in your life? Or are there areas of your life where you lack faith and trust? What are those areas? Take them to Him in prayer.
Lord we come to you now and ask that you would increase our faith. Help us to trust you more and to trust you in all things. Lord show us how to give it all up to you. Lord we admit we struggle and that we need You. Please guide us to faith and trust in you. Amen.
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