March 17th - Shield of Faith

“…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)

The Roman soldier’s shield was intentionally large. It was designed so the soldier could crouch down and hide behind it, if necessary. Groups of soldiers could also gather together and put their shields above and around themselves, forming a “tortoise shell” of protection.

Our shield of faith can also give us a place of refuge, a place of protection, a place of rest. When things are looking out of control, our faith confirms that none of this is a surprise to our God. He is still on His throne, and He will accomplish His will, for our good and for the furthering of His purposes.

Paul also describes our shield of faith as an effective fire extinguisher, quenching “all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Flaming arrows were the most powerful weapons of Roman warfare. So a wise soldier would soak his shields above and in water before battle to keep fiery darts from setting it on fire.

In the same way, we are wise to keep our hearts and minds soaked in the living water of the Word. Then our shield of faith can extinguish all of our enemy’s flaming arrows. Our enemy may think his fiery darts of doubt, fear or temptation are powerful. But our Word-soaked shield of faith is greater still.

Our weapons of warfare are too powerful for our enemy and he knows it. If only we knew it. He only wins if we get distracted, lay down our weapons, or if we never even enter the fight. So let’s fight! Victory is ours! After all, faith is the victory that overcomes the world! (1 John 5:4)

Today’s Action:

Let’s read Proverbs 17 together, asking Him to help us see life’s circumstances through our eyes of faith, which can give us a cheerful heart and protect us from a broken spirit.

“A merry heart does good, like medicine,but a broken spirit dries the bones.”

(Proverbs 17:22)