The Shield     
 

by Terry W. Benton

 

In all the armor of God there is a piece of protection called “the shield of faith” with which “you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Eph.6:15). That is a powerful thing to have and use. Another way of saying that is, “nothing Satan tries to throw at you is more powerful than the shield of faith that God has given you.” Now, here is the thing. If you lay down your faith shield every time a problem comes along, then Satan wins every time. He gets to you, discourages, disheartens, and defeats you. You have to see what is coming, actually hold the shield of faith up, and when you do, you are never defeated. You learn the value of lifting the shield into place. The shield is composed of faith in God, faith that He is with you, and that He is greater than all the evil forces. Don’t lay the shield aside when problems come at you. That is the very time to pick it up and use it. Think of the times David picked up the shield of faith to protect him from the many dangers and attacks of evil people with evil motives. Ps 3:3-4 - But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. 4 I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Ps 5:12 - For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. NKJV Ps 18:2-3 -  The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. Ps 18:30 - As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. The difference between us and David may come down to which one of us actually picked up the shield of faith and used it when the fiery dart was slung toward us. Did we use the shield? We are not promised a problem-free life here. We are given powerful armor to deal with whatever comes at us. Learn quickly to use the shield.           Other Articles by Gary Henry Your Wreckage Can be Repaired Commitment and Joy Stillness and Joy Beware of False Teachers Contradictory Concepts? Do It Because You Don't Want To Why Don't We Seek? Diligently Seeking God       For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com