Shield of Faith

By Erik Farstad

October 30, 1997

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

When it is raining outside what do you do? Well, you usually grab a coat, hat or umbrella to shield you from the rain. As in the physical world, we also have shields in the spiritual world. In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by Satan). To withstand their attacks we need to have our shields up ready to do battle. This does not happen on our own strength but through God’s. What happens when we don’t have our shield up?

Satan attacks us in the form of insults, setbacks and temptations. How many times have you been tempted, followed through with the temptation, just to say ‘how could I be so weak?’ When you don’t have your shield of faith up, ready to block the attacks, you will inevitably fall. Our strength alone cannot defeat the evil one, only through the power of Christ can it be done! So how does the shield of faith protect us?

Much like the raincoat scenario above, the shield keeps us safe and dry from attacks. OK, now I know you all understand the analogy but how do we keep the shield up? This is where the battle is truly won. Think back to the times when your walk with God was strong and the "falling to temptations" were few. Why was that? I can guarantee that it was due to your time in the word, prayer and most importantly THE BELIEF THAT VICTORY COMES TO YOUR LIFE THROUGH THE STRENGTH AND PROMISE OF JESUS CHRIST. Think about it. Many people give the excuse that something is too difficult or hard, that they will never be able to overcome it. NO! Why do you think Paul called this in Ephesians, the Shield of FAITH? Yes, because faith is exactly what victory requires. A few days ago I shared with you the important steps to remaining in Christ. I have attached it below, for I believe we all need to remember what it was that brought us to Christ...

	1.  Believe that Christ is God’s son.  1 John 4:15
	2.  Receive Christ as Savior and Lord.  John 1:12
	3.  Do what God says.  1 John 3:24
	4.  Continue to believe the Gospel.  1 John 2:24
	5.  Relate God’s love to other people.  John 15:12

Remember, #1 requires faith, #2 requires trust, #3 requires obedience, #4 requires reliance and #5 requires compliance.

Faith brought you to Christ, it is the same faith that will get you through life and the attacks of the evil one. You must ask yourself this, "Do you belief Christ is greater than the evil one?" If any of us answer yes to this question, then none of us has an excuse to lose a battle.

Let this be your prayer today:

Dear Lord, thank you for your victory over this world and for allowing me to be protected by your shield of faith. Grant me the strength to always keep my shield raised to ward off any attacks from the evil one. I acknowledge and believe with my whole heart that you have ultimate power on earth and in heaven. It is with your strength, from your perspective, that I will see beyond my circumstances and know that the victory is found in You and only You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. In Him, "E"