Shield of Faith
Shield of Faith. Paul said that we need to take up this shield and by using it will be able to quench all of the fiery darts of the wicked one. This is obviously not a shield of metal or wood. Indeed, it is much more powerful. But, what is faith that it can wield such a powerful effect?
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:16, NKJV
Shield of Faith
Paul said that we need to take up the shield of faith and by using it will be able to quench all of the fiery darts of the wicked one. This is obviously not a shield of metal or wood. Indeed, it is much more powerful. But, what is faith that it can wield such a powerful effect?
Hebrews 11, the faith chapter, defines faith in this way. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV)
It then goes on to say,
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:3, NKJV
What is it that makes faith so difficult to obtain? Verse 3 tells us that by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God. This world was not framed by things which are seen--it was not made of things which are visible. If that is the effect of faith in regards to the creation of this world, how effective is faith in helping us through this life, quenching all of the fiery darts of the wicked?
Man, left to himself, only understands what is visible. The effect of the growth in knowledge, especially in the realm of science, has often caused people to become cynical with regards to the things of God. We cannot see the spiritual realm. Therefore, if we cannot see it, it must not even exist--or so goes the common thought in our world today.
As in all areas of the Christian life, the things of God are impossible to understand apart from the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit working withing our hearts. When we come to Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within our hearts and guides us into the understanding of spiritual things.
Our eyes are opened up to see things which, before this, had been impossible to see. The world scoffs at our understanding of creation, but the believer understands that this is the God we serve. He spoke, and the world came into existence. By faith, we understand that Christ is constantly working on our behalf, making intercession to God, Himself, on our behalf.
We cannot see the fiery darts of the wicked, but God can. By faith, we know that our Father God is always with us, constantly interceding and destroying the attacks of the wicked.
If this is so, why do bad things often happen to believers? That is probably one of the most common questions asked of the believers. God uses the difficulties of this life to refine our faith and to make us more and more like Him. These difficulties help us to understand that we cannot successfully live the Christian life by ourselves. But, what is impossible to us, is possible to God. Though the trials and difficulties come, Christ never leaves us, but gives us His peace to take us through the trying times.
We also, by faith, have the hope of heaven. One day these trials will all cease, and we will be with the Lord Jesus Christ, forever! What a great promise that is to our hearts.
Go then, today, and take up the shield of faith so that you can quench all of the fiery darts of the wicked.
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