Equipped

What is faith? I have read these scriptures many times, and have heard numerous sermons preached on them, but today it was different. It was like I was reading it for the first time. Verse 16 says, “In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” We are wearing the armour, but we must decide to pick up the shield — The shield of faith that protects us from the devil’s arrows.

Are you hearing me?

As a Christian, you know you are a child of God. However, to stop the devil from attacking, you need to equip yourself with faith! The devil knows what arrows to send our way. His goal is to steal our joy and happiness. As a middleaged woman who has struggled with her appearance since youth, and now battling hormonal acne, these fiery arrows come flying at my self-regard regularly. It takes courage to look in the mirror and believe the truth; that I am a woman who is fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving God. In this COVID-19 season, many of us are experiencing vulnerability to arrows of anxiety, worry, fear, and doubt. In this season I am fielding arrows of grief, having had to attend my father’s funeral in Newfoundland virtually, wishing I could hug my mother and sisters. Yet in my grief, I choose to trust that Jesus holds us in the comfort of his arms. Unless we pick up a shield of faith to protect our weaknesses, we will never experience the abundant life God intended for us.

Faith is believing in something even though we do not have tangible proof that it’s true. We must have faith that God is in control. He knows our tomorrows, and He will calm all our fears. Regardless of the circumstances, we must have faith that He’s got it; the good news is that we do not need to figure it all out.

Faith That:

God is a refuge in times of trouble and cares for those who trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)

God goes before you, and he will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

God will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Prayer