In our everyday lives, we face many challenges. Temptations, doubts, emotional struggles, and spiritual battles are all part of the trials we encounter. During these times, Satan seeks to weaken and discourage us. However, in these moments, it is crucial to rely on our faith in God’s promises. God has promised that He will be with us through every circumstance, but in order to experience His protection and help, we must believe in His words and embrace them as truth in our lives.
In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul encourages us to put on the “armor of God” to withstand the attacks of the enemy. One of the most important parts of this armor is the shield of faith, which serves as our defense against the “fiery darts” of Satan. These darts are not only temptations that try to pull us away from God, but also the doubts and negative thoughts that arise when we struggle with difficulties in life.
The Shield of Faith: Protection Against Doubts and Temptations
Think of the shield as something that protects you from harmful influences. When Satan attacks our thoughts, telling us, “You won’t make it,” “God has abandoned you,” or “Your prayers have no power,” this is when we must raise the shield of faith. Faith in God’s promises—that “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5)—is our protection against doubt and fear.
God’s promises act as a shield, quenching the fiery arrows of Satan that aim to sow doubt and hopelessness in our hearts. When we believe in these promises, our hearts are filled with peace, and our minds are cleared of anxiety. God has said He will never leave us, and this means that in every situation, no matter how challenging, we can trust His guidance.
The Helmet of Salvation: Our Hope and Peace
Another vital part of our armor is the helmet of salvation, which protects our head—the symbol of our mind and thoughts. In moments of doubt, when we feel like we can’t go on, it’s easy to succumb to negative thoughts and feel that there is no hope. This is when we need the helmet of salvation—the hope of eternal life with God, free from sin and suffering.
God has promised that if we remain faithful, we will be with Him forever. This hope strengthens us to keep moving forward, even when the road seems dark and difficult. When we focus on our eternal future with Christ, we can face any hardship with joy. The hope that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20) brings us peace, ensuring that even in the hardest times, God is with us and guiding us to our final destination.
The Sword of the Spirit: God’s Word as a Weapon in Spiritual Warfare
While the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation protect us, in spiritual warfare, defense alone is not enough. God has equipped us with an offensive weapon—the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). God’s Word is a powerful weapon that helps us not only defend against Satan’s attacks but also advance against the powers of darkness.
As children of God, we must know our weakness, but we must also act as those who have God on our side—a God who is both able and willing to help us in times of need. We should boldly go among the enemies, rescuing those who are lost, to bring glory to God. The Lord desires that we not only defend ourselves but also actively seek to win souls and rescue sinners from the snares of the devil.
To accomplish this, there is nothing more powerful than the weapon our Savior used when He was tempted—“It is written.” This means using the Word of God.
In order to effectively use the Word as a weapon, we must study it, meditate on it, and apply it in our lives with simple faith and prayer. We should not overthink it, but simply take God at His Word, like a child, and use it when the occasion arises. When we do so, the devil will not be able to stand against us.
How to Practice Faith in God’s Promises?
Faith in God’s promises is not something that comes naturally. To strengthen our faith, we must study the Word of God daily, meditate on it, and pray. It’s not enough to just know God’s promises; we must believe them and apply them in our lives. When we face difficulties, instead of letting our thoughts fill with doubts, we should raise our “sword of the Spirit”—God’s Word—and use it to ward off Satan’s attacks.
It’s important to remember that faith is not a one-time act, but a daily choice to trust God. We need to remind ourselves of His promises every day, especially in moments of struggle. When life presents challenges, we can remember His words: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Conclusion
Faith in God’s promises is our shield that protects us from doubt and temptation. The hope of salvation is our helmet, giving us peace and strength to face difficulties. And God’s Word, our sword, is the weapon that allows us not only to defend ourselves but also to advance in spiritual warfare, rescuing others from the powers of darkness. In times of trial, let us remember God’s promises and embrace them in faith, and we will be able to withstand all the attacks that Satan hurls our way.