In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 ESV.
The Roman soldier’s armor included a shield. The one Paul refers to here, is not a small little round one, like Captain America uses. It was almost as tall as the soldier himself. Four feet tall and over two feet wide. They made this shield with many layers, including a covering of animal hide. Before battle, soldiers often soaked these shields to extinguish flaming arrows. My thought when reading about this, was how heavy was this shield? So I googled it. The average Roman shield weighed twenty-two pounds. A lot of weight to be carrying, but the shape and construction was manageable. Often they had a metal piece attached where they would bash their opponents in close combat!
As a history major and learner, I loved reading about their armor. Reading slowly through this scripture, I stopped at “take up”. It made me stop and think. How often have I encountered spiritual battles without lifting my shield of faith. I pictured myself just standing while the arrows and darts came flying at me. I may have had the breastplate of righteousness on, and hopefully the belt of truth…but I didn’t pick up the shield. More damage occurred. Years ago, a very angry man made false accusations against Darryl and me. He was so worked up that no amount of reasoning would calm him. Darryl, wisely walked out of the room. I, in my foolishness, stayed to try to show him where he misjudged the situation. I realized now, I did not even try to lift the shield of faith. The darts of accusation and half lies landed deep in my soul. I don’t believe it was this man’s intention to damage me so deeply. However, it certainly was our enemy’s intent. I would have handled the situation much differently as a wiser and hopefully more mature believer today!
You must intentionally take up the shield of faith. When I think of physically holding up a twenty-two pound shield, it makes me feel overwhelmed. I feel like I can’t do it. Sometimes, lifting the shield of faith can seem overwhelming as well. That is why we need each other. Another unique thing about Roman shields is they were interlocking. When they stood next to each other, they formed one massive wall. There was no separation where the darts, arrows or spears could enter. It is God’s intention that we stand close as the body of Christ protecting each other. There are so many who are as “cliche” as it seems, are lone rangers. They don’t think they need community, but can do it alone. There are three things wrong with that thinking. One: it isn’t scriptural. We are told to gather to be taught, encourage and pray for one another. Two: when the battle rages you are on your own. There is no one to stand with you. Satan loves to isolate God’s children. They can become ineffective, distracted and drift from God’s plan and ways. Three: Their gifts and talents aren’t being used to the fullest extent. Their lights are not shining as brightly as they could as a one watter. (I know that isn’t a word, but it sure is a good visual!)
Paul exhorts us to put on the whole armor of God. He was very well aware that every believer is in a battle. Thinking that only God’s important people are attacked will leave us off guard. That’s not the case. Our enemy is no respecter of persons. If he can lull us into thinking we don’t have to fight him, he has already won.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17. NKJV. Scripture talks about six different types of faith. (Actually, there is a seventh, demonic faith. You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder. James 2:19. NIV. We have to have faith to
Dead faith. Faith without works is dead. James 2:17.
Little faith. Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:30.
Saving faith. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves.
Great faith. O, woman, great is your faith! Matthew 8:10. Growing faith. Your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of everyone of you all abounds toward each other. 2 Thessalonians 1:3.
Tested faith. The genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire. 1 Peter 1:7.
Victorious faith. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. 1 John 5:4. We grow in our faith by hearing the word of God, and then applying it. Learning how to apply what our head knows to our lives makes us more effective believers. What a joy to discover God’s Word really is alive and powerful, and changes not only us, but others. It isn’t easy fighting the fiery darts of doubt, unbelief, intimidation, accusation, guilt and shame, etc. But unless we do, we can’t live the life Jesus died for us to live, and that is a shame.
Father, I thank you for teaching us how to take up the shield of faith. Reveal to us the enemies tactics against ourselves and those around us. I ask you to restore any areas that have been already damaged by those fiery darts in my life, and in the lives of those around me. Give us a desire to have victorious faith. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 