Be Armed With Your Shield! (Pt1)

image courtesy wflministries.com

“Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].” (Ephesians 6:16).

The fourth piece of God’s armour mentioned by Paul in Ephesians 6:14-18 is the Shield of Faith. The Roman Soldier’s Shield was a powerful resistance and defensive force on the Battle Front. Those shields were curved and rectangular in shape. They were large in size, about 3-4 feet tall and about 3 feet wide. The shields were made in layers of wood and covered with leather. And they were carved not only to protect, but they were so solid in-built that they could resist vicious forceful imparts and at the same time have a knock-on effect on the opponent, if in close proximity.

No Roman Soldier will dare get into the Battle Front without carrying his shield with him. Because the shield was needed to protect him from arrows, javelins, flaming and other sharp penetrating weapons.

How does this apply to our Christian Faith? The spiritual interpretation to this is that, we also are to use our faith as shield in our Spiritual Warfare with the forces of darkness. Satan is relentless at firing his flaming darts of evil thoughts at us, to cause us to doubt God, get weary and give up on our faith! He is crafty and subtle in implanting thoughts of doubts, discouragement, hopelessness, depression and other wicked thoughts. The devil is very sleek at cunning and mind-bending!

A Roman Soldier was always alert and ready to manoeuvre his shield to any angle necessary to resist and stop a flying object aimed in his direction in the midst of the battle. We also need to be ready to QUENCH ALL of Satan’s fiery darts of wicked thoughts thrown at us.

When the devil shoots arrows of fear, lack, sickness, failure, self-pity into your mind. Telling you things like “ You’re ugly.” “You’re not good enough.” “It’s too late for you, and you will never amount to anything.” or “This sickness will kill you.” If you don’t hold your shield of faith up against those wicked thoughts, it won’t be long before you start to doubt the Word of God. And once Satan gets a crack in that door, the devil will force his way in until you become weary, causing you to pack up and quit!

The Bible says, “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.” (Galatians 6:9). My friend, be encouraged, don’t let your shield slid down. When the devil shoots his evil negative thoughts at you, raise up your shield by taking authority over those lies in Jesus name! Declaring what the Word of God says about you. And STAND on the Word. There is absolutely nothing too difficult for God, if you can believe it, God is more than able to do it! Be fearless in your expectation! Expect to win! Expect to prevail!

Prayer Confession:Heavenly Father thank you for your Word. Everything that I need in life is in your Word. The Word of God has the power to transform my mind and give me the victory over every problem in my life. I refuse to be anxious. I take authority over the fiery and negative thoughts of doubt, discouragement and hopelessness. God has not given me the spirit of fear but the Spirit of power, love and sound mind. I cover my mind with the Blood of Jesus. Thank you Lord for positioning my life for progress. Help me to be watchful, ready and to be a doer of the Word. I thank you by faith for making a way for me and causing all things to work together for my good. In Jesus Name. Amen!

Reflection: "Psalm My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. 6 He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved." (Psalm 62:5-6).