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

Have you ever been ambushed?
A surprise attack can wound so deeply because it catches us unaware. Whether the arrows launched are in the form of temptations, illness, rejection, or pride, the unexpected element of an ambush adds to the pain inflicted.

God calls His warriors to be prepared in all circumstances, even the ambush, with the fourth piece of armor: the shield of faith. The Roman shield was a great oblong one that provided the entire body with protection. It was covered in leather and bound in iron that was able to deflect and extinguish the blazing arrows shot during an attack.

Faith is the shield of the Christian. Faith is being fully persuaded of the truth of all God’s promises, which are “yes” in Christ (2 Corinthians1:20). Faith does not shield from grief or physical suffering, not does it guarantee an easy life. Faith shields so that, in the midst of trials, the bearer can be steadfast and strong in the power of God. When it is taken up, faith can shield from every side whatever flaming darts the evil one launches.

Please pray that our shield of faith will be ever before us, in all circumstances, so we can stand in the power of God.

"Now according to the strength or weakness of his faith in his Savior,
so is his joy and peace,
so is his love to holiness,
so are his desires to know Him more,
also to serve Him in this world."
The Pilgrim's Progress, J. Bunyan