(Eph 6:16) above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
The question is often asked, "What would you take with you if your house caught on fire?" Some immediately say their pets. Some refer to their valuables. Still others will make mention of their pictures and keepsakes. It's good to think about in case there was an emergency. But Paul basically said that before you leave home make sure you have your shield of faith!
When Paul was in prison the Lord gave him the analogy of the Christian being dressed in the armor of God as a Roman soldier is outfitted for battle. He goes on and describes the various pieces to put on as we fight against those spiritual forces of wickedness (Eph 6:10-18). Every piece is important but then he says "above all" in verse 16. What would that above all piece of armor be? It's the shield of faith. It's like Paul is saying if there was a fire and your armor was in the closet (I guess we should even sleep in it!) and you could only take one piece . . . make sure you select the shield of faith.
Why is this shield of faith so important? Because with it we will quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. You see, the Roman shield was oblong and about four feet long so if you crouched your entire body would be protected. It was overlaid with linen and leather to absorb fiery arrows. The stratagem of the enemy was to light their arrows on fire and shoot them off rapidly one after another. The victim's shield would light on fire and the soldier would then cast the shield away exposing him to that final and fatal projectile.
Brothers and sisters . . . you and I have to stay in the "faith zone." That means at all times it is essential to have our shield of faith with us because Satan is constantly barraging us with his darts of doubt and arrows of alarm . . . his bullets of bleakness and his rockets of reality . . . his spears of fears and his missiles of menace. Satan's minions will strike at any time. Maybe when you're leaving church or right after your devotions. It could be when you're shopping at the grocery store or when you're falling asleep. It could be when you're online or in the line. Perhaps it's that person you're dealing with. As Paul said many times we are not dealing with personalities but principalities (Eph 6:12).
I love the faith zone. It tells me to believe God no matter what! Even if life is crazy and things are going wrong and are out of control. Don't worry. Don't try to figure it out. Refuse to yield to anxiety or discouragement. It's like the pilot who has to navigate his plane by his instruments and not by what he sees outside the window. He mustn't go by his feelings or he will lose control of his vessel and plunge to the ground. And did you know the faith zone is not in your head but in your heart? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." (Pro 3:5)
Do you remember the disciples who were freaking out on the boat in the Galilean storm? Where was Jesus? He was sleeping down in the hull. They woke Jesus up in a panic. Jesus stilled the storm and then said to them, "Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) That means they could have stayed in the faith zone. (Jesus probably went back to sleep!)
Guaranteed peace in all circumstances awaits you. Take up your shield of faith and live in the faith zone!
Louie
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