In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. – Ephesians 6:16
Which defensive protection would you rather have? Minutemen III, one of the world’s longest reaching intercontinental ballistic missiles with a range of approximately 13.000 km (8,078 miles) OR the average cylinder of pepper spray, which is effective at around 10 feet? Before you spend too much time deciding, it is good to remember that neither will likely help you with the actual challenges you will be facing today!
If you are a follower of Christ, the prince of darkness has you on a hit list. Satan and his crew do not want another person bowing in worship and gratitude to God, and they will use anything to distract you. Some favored weapons are internal, and emotional in context… anxiety, confusion, depression and discouragement just to name a few. Other roadblocks are external in nature like health issues, finances and incidents. What’s your best defense when facing malevolent forces?
The fourth piece of armor Paul discusses for Christ’s followers is the shield of Faith. It starts when you acknowledge your enemy is stronger than you are and place all of your trust at the feet of Jesus. Leaning fully upon Christ, HIS power will fill your heart and mind and HE will lead you to pray with overcoming strength.
You do not need big rockets or stinging sprays to defend against your enemies. A simple prayer of faith is sufficient to activate the greatest power in the universe – God’s love for mankind. Intercede for those making decisions for America to come to an understanding of faith in Christ. Ask that many will take up the shield of faith, defending themselves and America against the intentions of evil.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 6:16
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.