How Faith Is A Shield

HOW FAITH IS A SHIELD

“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”
—Ephesians 6:16

In spiritual warfare, the attacks aren’t always obvious. Sometimes they come subtly — in the form of discouragement, doubt, worry, or guilt. Other times, they strike like lightning — through temptation, jealousy, disappointment, or unrelenting pressure. Whatever form these flaming darts take, they all have one purpose: to pierce the soul and paralyze the believer.

That’s why Scripture commands us to “take up the shield of faith.” Faith is not passive — it is a deliberate act of trust in God, day by day, moment by moment. This kind of faith is more than belief in the abstract; it’s confidence in the living God who speaks through His Word and stands behind His promises. Faith lifts our eyes from the storm and fixes them on the Savior.

The enemy’s darts are fiery for a reason — once they land, they burn. A single unchecked dart can quickly spark a wildfire in the heart. A moment of unchecked worry can ignite a season of fear. A seed of doubt can grow into despair. But when faith is raised as a shield, those darts are extinguished on impact.

What fuels this shield? The Word of God. Every promise, every command, and every story of deliverance strengthens our grip on it. When Satan says, “You’re alone,” faith protects and anchors you with God’s words: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). When he says, “You’re too weak,” faith reassures you with God’s words: “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

A strong shield is not crafted overnight. It is forged over time by saturating your heart with Scripture and walking closely with Christ. Faith grows stronger the more we know — and trust — the One who is faithful.

So, when the darts come (and they will), don’t drop your guard. Lift high the shield. Anchor your soul to the truth. And fix your eyes on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). He is not only our shield — He is our victory. -Ron Rhodes