above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 WEB
In biblical times, shields were used to protect soldiers from enemy attacks. Shields protected warriors attacked with swords, spears, arrows, and other implements of war. In modern times, police forces use shields to protect themselves from potential harm. Modern armed forces still use ballistic shields for protection.
In Genesis 15:1, God encourages Abraham saying, “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. KJV” Faith in God is strong protection for the believer. Belief in a higher power is what deflects and absorbs the attacks of the enemy like a shield.
As believers, we are in a spiritual battle with the forces of darkness. However, the bible assures us in Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. KJV” When it comes to spiritual assault, the strongest protection is the shield of faith.
The Full Armor of God
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul encourages believers to put on the full armor of God. The apostle tells us why we need this protection in Ephesians 6:10 saying, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. KJV” We are in a spiritual battle.
But what is the armor of God? Ephesians 6:14-17 reveals the answer stating, “Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. WEB”
Paul further instructs the reader to pray in the Spirit at all times. With the full armor of God, and our prayerful petitions to the Lord, we are well equipped to withstand and overcome the attacks of the enemy with the shield of faith.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your holy word. I believe in you and your protection. Direct my steps to be effective in your plan for believers. Help me to work in coordination with fellow believers to accomplish your will on earth. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Invisible Things
