The Shield

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16

         Faith- The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Trust, Belief, Confidence, Conviction             Complete trust or confidence in someone or something Merriam-Webster

         Quench– extinguish, put out, smother

No ‘maybes’ about it. No “Ifs, ands, or buts.” The enemy is always watching and waiting. He’d like to take us out with one of many “fiery darts.” (because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.1 Peter 5:8)

 The devil doesn’t limit his attacks on just you. He will attack your family and friends. (whom He may devour)

To make matters worse, he will try to attack in the areas where you struggle the most trusting God. He won’t attack just once. He will attack repeatedly. That’s why we need to be prepared. We can prepare. We should prepare. The enemy has been described as serpent, tempter, schemer, adversary, father of lies, evil one, and real.

However, He also is destined to be defeated, and he is under our feet if we put him there.     

Jesus conquered sin, death, and hell and gave us equipment to be more than conquerors. (His word, blood, and the Holy Spirit) Through the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6, He gave us full instructions on how to survive attacks of the enemy. “Faith is the victory that overcomes the world.” I would rather be victorious than defeated, wouldn’t you?

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Ephesians 6:10-18