“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” - Ephesians 6.16 ESV
“Keep your foot on the devil’s neck by standing on the Word of God, and you will see tremendous results!” - Jesse Duplantis, American Pastor.
¶This short piece on faith is intended to spur you on your own personal study of this all important subject of Faith. It is so crucial that four times in the scriptures, a pointblank emphasis was placed on it, just to awaken its sense of indispensability if we must live victoriously in this wicked world as Saints of God. “The Just shall live by his faith” (Hab 2.4, Rom 1.17, Gal 3.11 & Heb 10.38)
¶When we are challenged, it is not weeping over the situation that helps, but wielding our weapon of faith. Bemoaning your condition may attract men but only a fight of faith moves God. In actual fact, Faith activates God and makes you battle-ready to ward off all flaming onslaughts of our enemy, the devil.
It was once revealed by the highly influential 19th century British preacher, Charles Spurgeon that, “Faith obliterates time, annihilates distance, and brings future things at once into its possession.” Faith is remarkably fundamental to a triumphant life such that the scripture rates it higher than all other elements in the whole armour of God. “Above all, taking the shield of faith…” (Eph 6.16 KJV)
As a matter of fact, a whole chapter in the bible was dedicated to the doctrine of faith, apart from several other authoritative references posted all across the scriptures. Faith chapter 11 – I mean Hebrew 11. And without faith, it is impossible to please God. (vs 6).
¶Faith, as described above is way beyond mere emblem of a Christian organization. It is not a religious identity either. It’s a weapon of war signifying our call to spiritual warfare. Therefore, move beyond religious dogma to the realm of spiritual reality. Tradition is the thief of power and there is no area of our lives where that theft is more evident than in the area of faith for living. The Bible says that, “this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith (1Jn 5.4).
¶Faith in this context can be simply put as a practical expression of your confidence that you have in God and in His word in the face of any life challenge. Rev Larry Huggins also defined faith as confidence in the veracity of what God has said. This understanding is what instills you with inner force and resistance against negative situations.
¶However, we must note first of all, that faith comes from the Word of God. Living faith derives basically from the word of God. The Bible says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10.17). It thus follows logically that, if you are a Christian that does not constantly read and study the word, your faith level for operation will be low. This is because, “no word, no faith.” Faith can’t come if you don’t know what the word of God has to say about a particular situation. And this may be a major point where most believers meet their waterloo.
In the words of Rev Kenneth Hagin, that Apostle of faith, “Faith begins where the will of God is known. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is God’s “I Will” to every seeker for full salvation of spirit, soul and body.”
The Bible is not supposed to make sense; it is supposed to make faith. Peter said to Jesus, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the net” (Luke 5.5 niv). You get faith by studying the Word. Study that Word until something in you “knows that you know” and that you do not just hope that you know. Henrietta Mears had confirmed; “Faith is caught rather than taught.”.
It’s important to note that there are two kinds of faith. There is the natural faith. But the supernatural faith is the gift of God.” It’s an impartation from God through His word.
¶The Scriptures states that “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Eph 6.16 esv). The truth is, every time you encounter a challenge, the enemy primary intention is to weaken your faith. In a perspective, the attack is not an oppression of the devil, but first and foremost a trial of your faith (see Luke 22.31-32).
Every word of God you believed will be tested. So stand your ground when a situation challenges your faith, because if your faith is never tried than your faith can never be trusted!
¶In all these, the only recognized panacea in the Bible to silence all flaming arrows of negative situations is your shield of faith. The more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. Smith Wigglesworth is one of the pioneers of the Pentecostal revival that occurred a century ago. In his words as an apostle of faith, he said that “Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials. Yes, seeds of faith are always within us; but sometimes it takes a crisis to nourish and encourage their growth.
Once you lay hold on the shield of faith in your quest for victory, then refuse to quit. No matter how long it takes, or how tough it gets, do not quit. Drawing inspiration from the father of faith puts it in clearer picture: “Abraham, who against hope believed in hope” (Rom 4.18).
In respect to this, God’s word states that, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world”
I leave you with this profound statement from Rex Rouis; “Always remember, you are just one “hearing” away from Faith, just one ‘knowing” away from Peace, and just one “action” away from total Victory.” Shalom.
Thank you
James Adekoje
For The Bible Motivator
