(Ephesians 6:16, NIV)
The Apostle Paul likens faith to a shield. In ancient warfare, soldiers carried rectangular oblong shields about the size of a door. A combatant could crouch behind it and gain protection for all parts of the body. The shield was a mission-essential piece of armor.
In the spiritual realm, faith serves this function—faith activates the power and protection of God in all areas of our lives. Faith is belief and trust in God. It is by faith that you believe Jesus Christ died for your sins. By trusting in Him, you will gain eternal life. It is by faith that you believe the Bible is God’s infallible, authoritative Word. It is by faith that you trust the Lord to hear and answer your prayers.
God tells us this about the importance of faith: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
It’s a scary thought to engage in spiritual combat without your shield of faith. There is no substitute for the protection it provides.
Sadly, too many churches today water down the biblical teaching on faith. Genuine faith or trust in God is much more than intellectual assent that you believe in God. James 2:19 tells us, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” True faith in God is not merely head knowledge. It must take hold of your heart. When that happens, you will desire to follow and obey God in all that you do. Your actions will prove that your faith is real. Let me illustrate.
Starting at a very young age, virtually every time I would go into any large body of water, an earache would follow. I lost count of the painful penicillin shots I got from ages 4-9. My efforts to learn how to swim were hampered. By the time I was 8, most of my friends could swim—I could not. I was afraid to jump into any water over my head. One day, my dad, a strong swimmer, tried to help me overcome my fear of water. He had me stand on the side of the pool while he treaded in water that was 8 feet deep. Holding out his arms, he would say, “Jump to me, Scotty. I’ve got you.”
In my head, I knew Dad loved me and would catch me when I jumped. After all, he was my dad. But my belief about him keeping me safe never grabbed my heart. I wouldn’t jump to him.
Have you made the leap of faith into the saving arms of Jesus Christ? Before you answer, consider these questions about your faith.
Like the oath you must take to enter military service, you must genuinely proclaim your faith in Jesus to enter a loving relationship with God. Have you made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ? If not, I would urge you to do so now.
Faith, the ultimate shield, will set you on a life path of victory with an assured destination of eternity with God in heaven.