“Above all, take the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:16
The New King James version says, “Above all, take the shield of faith.”
To “take up” the shield requires an action on our part. It requires our faith.
And above the rest of the armor pieces that we can put on, the shield of faith is the most important piece of armor we carry.
The rest of the armor is already on the body.
In Roman times, the shields used during battle protected and covered a soldier's entire body armor. Strapped to the arm, it provided coverage from the top of their shoulders to the top of their knees, the shield safeguarded their most vulnerable spots. These shields were not only very important, they were also fireproof! When the Roman army needed to gain territory or more protection in a battle, the soldiers would align together, tuck behind the shields, and put their shields in a tortoise like formation creating a safe wall to protect from fiery arrows or to proceed safely.
The shield of faith is a resource to utilize as it is a representation of the Lord.
We must engage our faith as a man-sized shield that covers our entire being and empowers us to extinguish the flame in every arrow of contradiction that we might face. The only visible part of ourselves is our faith. To co-believe with God protects our entire being; body, soul and spirit.
So when the flaming arrows come against us like fear, doubt and anxiety, our faith guards us and protects us from these attacks so that we can push back the enemy successfully.
Carrying the shield of faith, we can trust that protection is ours so that we can step forward into the places God is calling us into so that we can fulfill our destiny; unhindered.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
So, what does faith actually do?
It is unseen, yet real.
It explains that everything visible has its origin in the invisible.
Faith extinguishes the fires!
Faith sees the TRUTH and helps us stand firm.
Faith makes the difference when we are willing to sacrifice and remain obedient to God.
Faith brings favor and exceeds our expectations.
It demonstrates and acknowledges the call of God who gave us our identity and destiny.
Faith is permanent and brings reality to the declared promises of God.
Faith takes you places! (Deeper spiritually and supernaturally.)
Faith is our inheritance. It is embedded in us because it is in our lineage!
It is because of faith, we do not have to fear.
Faith brings answers.
Faith is wealthy and richer than anything of the flesh!
Faith is Jesus Christ.
During these harsh times where you may be mocked or ridiculed for your faith and the world may not see your worth, remember that you are a true faith hero when you step into action taking up the shield of faith. God has always seen the perfect picture with us.
We must choose faith and hold onto it deliberately in all circumstances.
We need unshakeable faith with our grip holding fast to our shield. Held firm and tight without letting go and giving up.
No matter how many fiery arrows come at you, hold fast to your shield.
No matter how many things you face, hold onto the unshakeable faith knowing WHO IS THE VICTOR. Place your trust in God knowing He is capable and understanding and that the shield will protect you. It's part of the promise. Your faith in God is what keeps you protected from the evil one. Psalm 33:20
Not only do we use the shield to protect us, we are able to use it as a weapon in our warfare.
Faith can't prevent bad things from happening. It can't prevent the flaming arrows from flying, but when armed, it shields us from their lasting burn marks.
So, take up your shield today. And when you feel your shield slipping cry out “God, I believe, but help my unbelief!” And choose to remain steadfast in your faith.
It is where we believe in faith, taking God at His word and trusting His will for our lives.
“For we walk by faith and not by sight.” 1 Corinthians 5:7
Don't let the flaming arrows that come at you seem bigger than the God who can extinguish them.
~ Stefanie Rodriguez