The shield of faith is a very important piece of our Christian armor. One only has to turn on the television and peruse social media and the Internet to witness that the enemy is alive and well afflicting Christians, Jews, and innocent people all over the world with his fiery arsenal. We see horrific, graphic videos and images of innocent journalists being beheaded by ISIS, young men crucified for their beliefs, tales of cruel stonings and limb amputations as retribution for adultery and thievery, stories of young girls at the tender age of nine years old abducted from their homes and forced into sex slavery and forced marriages. The list goes on and on. But for the grace of God, these events could be unfolding in our own communities here in the US.
A cursory bible study of the end times reveals that this evil will only worsen before Christ's return, but thankfully we learn that something else wonderful will be going on at the same time. Men, women, and children all over the world will awaken from their spiritual slumber and become alive to the Living God! They will see His goodness despite the horrors of the world, and they will walk in His glory, performing great exploits that magnify his Name! Many will become born again and filled with His Holy Spirit.
For those who have been believing in the Lord's return, faith will be strengthened as we go through these fiery trials of life, knowing that the trials are refining our faith like pure gold. As we stand firm in this faith, believing the precious promises of God, patience is busy at work, bringing us to a spiritual maturity so that we lack nothing. (James 1:4). Many of us don't fully understand what all this entails, but we believe that somehow it is all working out for our good! (Romans 8:28)
The fiery arrows will come from the enemy, of that we are assured, but what a greater assurance it is to know that we have divine protection from his attacks! Paul tells us in Ephesians that this shield of faith is so powerful that it immediately quenches the fire from the enemy's arrows. I call that a watery barrier which can be none other than the Word of God imparted to our mind and spirits by the Holy Spirit Himself! We have no idea of the wonder and power given to us in the name of Jesus.
So when satan's darts fly your way, thrust your faith shield forward, knowing that the fire of their sting will be instantly extinguished. Quote the scriptures that the Heavenly Father lays on your heart and visualize them working on your behalf in the spiritual realm.
I often picture myself as a warrior woman, fighting a victorious battle of ease in the heavenlies. I allow the Holy Spirit to bring to my memory other biblical patriarchs who endured the same fiery trials. Men like Abraham, Joseph, Esther, Ruth, and of course the Lord Jesus Himself. I remember how they overcame great obstacles and were victorious through God's strength. They are that great cloud of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews 12 who have gone before us, holding fast to the promises of God. Unlike them, we in this day and hour have seen and experienced the fulfilling of a vast majority of these promises through the risen Christ. But like these patriarchs we await their entire fulfillment. And as we wait, we continue to fight the good fight of faith.
Stay on the defensive and brandish your shield of faith, knowing that victory is yours in the mighty name of Jesus!
