LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 6:16, In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

The shield for a Roman soldier was made of layers of wood, wrapped in leather strips. Before battle the shield would be soaked in water to help extinguish the flaming arrows shot at them by the enemy.  Pastor Moore from NorthRock Church explained that the shield of faith had to be “taken up” when it was needed. The Roman soldier would not always have to carry it with him. This differed from the armor Paul had already said “needed to be put on”. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of peace were always needed to be “put on”.

I have written before that Believers are either in a battle, coming out of a battle, or about to enter a battle. Every good soldier better have taken up their shield in order to do battle. In a spiritual battle the shield of faith is extremely necessary to extinguish the fiery dart or arrows shot at the believer; “it is the first line of defense” (Moore).  

The notes from my granddaughter Audrey, state, “Acting in faith shields me”. Pastor Moore defined faith as stated in Hebrews 11:1. “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Tozer has written, “Any faith that must be supported by the evidence of the senses is not real faith.” When Believers face trials or storms or the fiery arrows of the enemy, confidence must be placed in the One who creates or allows the storm to happen” (Audrey’s notes). Our “assurance” is found in what God says in His Word, by what we may not see. “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith needs to be in the right place. “Faith is a choice, feelings are circumstantial.” (Moore).  

Pastor Moore gave this warning: When the enemy realizes you are serious about your faith, you better pick up the shield of faith as protection from the flaming arrows to come. He said, “Faith must be received.” So then faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). Faith is deposited in our lives by hearing good things” (Audrey’s notes). Believers build faith by hearing God led messages from the pulpit and from reading/studying/meditating on God’s Word. “Listening and watching ‘trash’ leads to doubt in our faith” (Moore).  I want my faith to be built up, to be strong when I must face the enemy – and that seems to be an every day occurrence!

Faith, like a muscle, must be exercised (Moore). James 2:17 explains that a believer’s faith must be accompanied by works. Believers must put their faith into action. Know God’s Word so when the enemy comes against you, you can say what God says in response. The enemy comes with lies, deception, subtly; knowing God’s Word is the Believer’s defense against these attacks. Surround yourself with other Believers who can help your faith grow, to help you keep focused on living for Jesus and walking the narrow way with Him. A Believer does not need to stand alone when in a battle. The shield of faith will not only protect you but will be made even stronger when you lift up your shield with other Believers.

Let me emphasize that you as a Believer best be in God’s Word in order for your faith to grow. Satan, your enemy, wants to attack you in every way he can. Take up the shield of faith, every day. It will protect you from the deceit coming at you each day. It will help you discern the lies that are being told to you each day.

Put on the belt of truth. Put on the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of peace! Then take up the shield of faith as you go into the battle.