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 put much thought into the options, realize that neither would be likely to help you with the actual challenges you face today!
If you are a follower of Christ, the prince of darkness targets you. The devil and his horde do not want you bowing in worship and gratitude to God, and will use anything to distract you. Some of those weapons are internal, and emotional in context – anxiety, confusion, depression, and discouragement are a few of them. Other obstacles are external in nature, such as health issues, finances, and circumstances. What is your best defense against malevolent forces?
The fourth piece of armor Paul describes 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 in Jesus. Leaning fully upon Christ, HIS power will fill your heart and mind, and HE will lead you to pray and stand 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 humankind. Intercede for those making decisions for the United States to seek the Lord and, if they have not already, come to an understanding of faith in Christ. Ask that many will take up the shield of faith, defending themselves and this nation against the attacks 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.
