Today's devotional is about defending yourself from the attacks from Satan. Each part of the armor of God is being used in a different way. Be sure to go back and read the past devotionals on the other parts of the armor of God if you have missed them.
Today I'm talking about the shield, which is the “Shield of Faith.” Can you imagine going to war without protecting yourself somehow? I know nowadays a soldier fights with more of an offensive approach. Our military does not run around with shields in their hands today like they did during the days of the Roman Empire. Paul uses the shield illustration because that is what they used to defend themselves from flaming arrows. I do find it interesting that many of the soldiers would light their arrows before they sent them sailing to the enemy. Did they really think a little fire at the end of the head wouldl make that much more pain? I'm pretty sure if you get hit with an arrow going 100 mph, you’re going to wish it had killed you. What is cool is that the Romans would make their shields out of wood. They did this so they could bury themselves behind the shield and then allow the arrows to stick to it so it would distinguish the flame. Just like the arrows of evil that are aimed at you, we must advance with the Shield of Faith to distinguish the fiery arrows of Satan and his demons.
Shield of Faith
When using the Shield of Faith, you first must claim victory over Satan. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. 1 John 5:4, says, “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”
The second thing you must do is charge the enemy with your faith. Remember, “Faith without works is dead.” James 2:20
You must put your feet to your prayers. Pray that God will give you the words to charge against the enemies of the world.
The third thing is to get behind that shield and be willing to take all the arrows that come your way. The shield is there to protect you completely if you’re willing to bury yourself under it. Mark 11:24 says, “I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.”
Just like this verse says, you have to believe the shield is going to protect you. Otherwise why have it? The same goes for the word of God. You either believe what God is saying will work, or you don't. He is telling us how to fight the enemy of Satan. If you don't use these principles, what else are you going to use? Has it worked for you in the past?
Let's just imagine that God may know what He is talking about since He is the one who created Satan in the first place. If He knows all things, shouldn't we trust what He is telling us? If we don't want to listen then we will fall into the temptation that keeps us from getting closer to God. Keep praying for strength and endurance as you continue in this series.
God bless
E.