The Shield Of Faith
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in
the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be
able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against
enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of
God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done
everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around
your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet
pit on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all
of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all
the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times in
every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in
supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a
message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the
gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it
boldly, as I must speak.
Your survival will depend on
what you do with the weapons you are given to protect yourself. Knowledge can
be your biggest weapon against the evil one.
From the helmet of salvation
to the shoes of the gospel of peace, we are to be protected and armed for a
conflict that depends not on human strength on the power of God.
When we realize the nature of that
warfare and the forces against us, it is foolish to enter the fray with
anything except our God-given weapons.
Those who wait
on the Lord shall renew their strength.
Our Daily
Bread – December 8, 2005