Dolly's Sharing

Ephesians 6:16 (ESV)
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one

As believers, we walk by faith. And it is through faith in God that we can believe for the impossible things, hope for better days and believe in the faithfulness of God’s word and promises. Faith provides us with an inner conviction of things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1). When we believe God and take Him at His word, we remain grounded in truth, the lies of the enemy lose their power, and we become overcomers. In that way, faith is our shield.

The Roman soldier’s shield, also called a scutum, was a large rectangular shield where the soldier could fit his whole body behind to avoid the oncoming arrows, darts, and spears. The typical Roman shield could push back against the enemy when linked together, forming a protective barrier (phalanx formation). Similarly, we as Christians are very effective when we link our faith together. The Roman soldier would apply oil to his shield daily to keep it in good condition. The symbolism here is that our faith requires frequent anointing of the Holy Spirit through prayer and worship.

God gives each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Then as we walk with Him, that faith grows and develops until it becomes a shield, protecting us and allowing us to live a victorious life in Christ. We cannot see the heavenly resources that are at our disposal, but we are confident, by faith, that God is with us and He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). When we know the truth of that promise, we can endure all things that the enemy throws at us. Our faith protects us from the lies and discouragements that can so easily wound us. It changes our perspective and colours everything we view, filtering it all through the Shield of Faith, removing the poisonous darts before they can settle in our hearts and infect us.

How to take up the Shield of Faith?

Hearing the Word of God – Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17). Take time to remember the promises of God. When fiery darts try to impact our hearts, extinguish them with reminders of God’s goodness over our circumstance.

A soldier’s shield was strongest when linked with another – Band together with other believers in the fight of faith. The best way to band together is through the closeness of small groups. When we fellowship with believers and help each other through our doubts, we form a stronger barrier against the enemy.

Recount God’s past victories in our lives – Make a list of all the ways God has been faithfully coming through for us in the past. Whenever our faith waivers, recite the list and remember in detail how God made a way. Set our faith on God’s character and not on the circumstance.