Day 8: Using Your Shield
From the 40 Days of Daily Bread Series.
Do you have a crock pot? You may own one, but may not use it. The crock pot is a wonderful invention that cooks the food for you. You just have to put the food in there and turn it on. Just the same, you have the Armor of God, but do you use it? You may even be “wearing it,” but still not using it. (See Day 2 – Day 10 for all the devotions on the Armor of God.)
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 ESV
Why do you need it?
The enemy tries to devour and throw fiery darts at you. He often attacks with doubt. The Shield of Faith guards against his attacks and stops him cold. What is faith? Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Faith is needed to please God. And without faith it is impossible to please him… Hebrews 11:6a ESV
Using the Shield of Faith is actively responding to things the enemy throws at you with the resistance of faith. Otherwise, you’ll just be pelted by the enemy! You may already know that he is trying to devour you.
Fiery Darts 101
Door #1: Get pelted
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith… 1 Peter 5:8-9a ESV
If there’s any lack of resistance, you’ll be doomed with weakness. The result is being devoured and depressed.
Door #2: Use your shield
The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults,and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7 ESV Resisting the devil is a defense of strength. When you put up your shield (of trust/faith), the result is help and joy.
Resisting the devil is a defense of strength. When you put up your shield (of trust/faith), the result is help and joy.
Only two choices can be made in the battle and each choice yields a different result. If you feel weak or depressed, choose Door #2. Decide to cast off the burden, and trust in God…an action of faith!
- Faith
Pray. Put on the Shield of Faith and ask God to help you to use it! Write the scripture locations and the declarations below them in your journal, and pray them. Doing this will help you use God’s Word and build your faith (Romans 10:17).
… each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3 (I will exercise the faith that God has given me.)
And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22 ESV (I have faith in God.)
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4 (I am an overcomer by my faith.)
The Shield of Faith guards against the enemy's attacks and stops him cold.
How has the enemy been trying to devour you?
