Day 48

Shields were a vital weapon used by Roman soldiers as personal armor. Battle shields were constructed of leather: as wide and long as the door of a house, providing protection for the entire body. Soldiers soaked their shields in water before going out to battle in order to successfully quench the fire-bearing arrows used by their enemies.

The Word of God speaks of “the shield of faith” as an essential weapon for every child of God. Christ-followers must daily battle against the schemes and lies of Satan. He attacks our minds with the fiery arrows of lies that appeal to our prideful independence, weaknesses, fears and ongoing struggles. His aim is to have us act independently of God’s truthful Word, quenching the power of God’s Spirit in us.

What is our sure defense against Satan’s lies and cunning attacks? We are to put on the armor of God, lifting up “the covering shield of saving faith, upon which we can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16).

Just as Roman soldiers had to soak their shields in water before battle, our faith must be soaked daily in the Word of God. When Satan shoots his fiery darts, we hold our Word-soaked shield of faith high, rendering inoperative his lies. An increasing knowledge of God’s Word deepens our faith, expanding the size of our shield. This provides greater protection from lies that would penetrate our minds. No weapon formed against us will prosper as we believe and obey God’s Word. Instead, we will walk in victory over sin, rising up together as God’s holy army.

Come to Jesus, daily soaking your shield of faith in His words of life and truth. As you lift your shield, the power of God will be activated to defend you from all evil. Walk as more than a conqueror in all circumstances.

“Put on God’s whole armor (the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies), that you may be able successfully to stand up against (all) the strategies and the deceits of the devil.”

Ephesians 6:11