9/17 Ephesians 6:16

¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.

The word Paul chose for this shield of faith came from a word referring to a long Roman shield about five-feet in height. The front of the shield was often covered with leather that was soaked in water so that fire arrows would not burn it. When a barrage of arrows would come down on the troops, they would find refuge behind these large shields.

We are to apply faith in the same way. The arrows of the enemy of our soul come from various means, but all have the same purpose. They are meant to destroy our life in God. When arrows of doubt, discouragement, or disappointment come- and they will come- we are to raise our shield of faith. We should wet it down with the water of the Word. The tar on those arrows may burn for a while, but if our shield is soaked well, it will die out.

Faith comes from the Word of God. It is bolstered by the experience of seeing the promises of God come to pass. We need to live in the Word and remember the works of God in our life so those arrows will not damage our faith.

Consider: Is your shield well soaked? You can be sure that arrows are on the way, so be prepared!