Armor Elements: The Shield of Faith

Your shield is your faith.

Ephesians 6:16 In addition to having clothed yourselves with these things, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Romans 5:1 Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the long history of ancient warfare, shields and swords were vital pieces for offense and defense during deadly and gruesome battles. Soldiers would be walking targets without them. Roman shields were overlaid with linen and leather to absorb fiery arrows, which also protected other armor pieces. The integrity of the shield was essential. The time to mend any holes was before the battle. Diligence was the key to proper maintenance.

Faith: The Grace of Graces

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:6 Without faith, it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

The Christian believer's shield of faith is meant to quench the enemy's fiery darts. Every part of the Christian is preserved by faith.

• Faith is believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:30; Ephesians 1:7)
• Faith is trusting in the Word of God, not your own blind reasoning. (Ephesians 3:17) Faith stills the storm that sin raises. (Psalm 5:12)
• Faith changes grief into joy and gladness.
• Faith will make you satisfied with the path on which He has placed your feet. (John 16:20)

Habakkuk 2:4 The just shall live by faith.

Faith in God's word alone enables us to wait with patience for the fulfillment of His promise.

Faith is the secret spring of my strength.
Faith supports me in all my sojourning.
Faith comforts me in my sorrows.
I believe God
I believe the promises He has made to me,
and though I will die, I will die in this faith,
and my faith will be sufficiently justified.

Faith serves as the shield for the believer. It is essential to trust in God's power and protection to remain steadfast. When the battle intensifies, we must remember that God works everything for good. He is always faithful to His promises. Even when painful and unjust events occur in this world and against us, we can rest in the assurance that God is good and that He holds us in His hands when we place our faith in Him.