Shield of Faith

In Ephesians 6:16, Paul describes the reality of our world as being beyond what we can see with our eyes or touch with our hands. There is an ongoing battle against the spiritual forces of evil. It sounds crazy, but I assure you it is real. Every day we are suiting up for battle, and you don’t have to look very far to see that this world is a dark and broken place, full of evil, doubt, and temptation. So, we must be ready. Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God, and our defense in this armor of God is the shield of faith.

What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 tells us that it is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is what allows us to hope in Jesus and his gift of salvation. Faith gives us the conviction of the things that can’t be explained or that our human minds can’t comprehend.

So how do you access faith as a shield against the enemy's attacks? When doubts come, combat them with the truth in scripture. When attacked with temptation, remind yourself that they are lies from the enemy, and God has given you the means to escape that temptation.

Ultimately, it comes down to Jesus having already won. His victory over sin and death gives us the ability to trust his promises and to rely on our hope in him to stop the enemy's schemes.

Prayer: Father, I know that there is a spiritual battle going on behind the scenes. Help remind me when I am attacked by doubts and temptations that they are lies, and that you have given me the defense I need against these attacks. Thank you for the hope that I have in eternal life because of what Jesus has done. You are a good God who is worthy of my praise.