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Hello Beautiful people,
So, what does faith mean to you? How do you get faith? These are just two of the questions that can come up when we start a conversation about faith. Faith can be earned through persevering through trials. Faith can be lost, but faith is truly defined by Hebrews 11:1. Hebrews chapter 11 is known as the faith chapter. There are several examples of biblical heroes that exhibited faith.
The basic idea of the word faith in both the original Hebrew and the Greek languages conveys the idea of faith being directly connected with truth or something that is trustworthy. (This is just one of the meanings conveyed in these languages). When we are exercising faith in anything, we are believing that the thing upon which we have faith is true. Faith is a strong conviction or belief in something.
Faith is being assured in our convictions that what we are placing our hope in is actively being worked on by the Lord, even though we cannot physically see it. Faith knows that no matter the situation in our lives, or in someone elseâs life, that the Lord is working in it.
In Ephesians chapter 6, we are reminded that we are to put on the shield of faith as part of the whole armor of God. We are exhorted to use the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts the evil one shoots at us every day. But our understanding of the word âfaithâ is critical to using the shield correctly. Shields in combat are used to intercept specific attacks. It was a warriorâs primary mode of defense. The shield was active and in motion. Therefore, faith should be evident in our actions. Faith, in spiritual warfare, must be put into motion in order to be raised up in defense.
If youâve ever watched a movie where there were ancient battle scenes using a shield, you would know that the shield was a primary weapon used mostly for protection but could also be used on the offensive. A Roman soldier, for example, understood the importance of the shield in protecting themselves as well as those on either side of them. If a shield went down in battle, it could compromise the entire company of warriors. A lost shield would essentially create a weak spot in the defense strategy. The same is true of the shield of faith. Not only does the shield of faith protect us as individuals, it also protects those near us.
Your shield of faith is vital in your battle plan. There is a gaping hole on the battlefield when you are not holding up your shield. God has uniquely created you with strengths and talents that others are not equipped with. Your role in the battle is irreplaceable. You bring something unique and necessary to the battlefield to not only fight our enemy but to also encourage others fighting alongside us. Our enemy is a liar and the father of all lies. He never misses an opportunity to poison your own self-image, destroy your confidence, and break your will when we seek to serve the Lord. He seeks to break you down so that you have no impact in the ultimate battle plan. If he can take you out of the battle, he can separate you from God. He will try to convince you that you have nothing to offer and that you are insignificant in the battle.
But when we are not effective in the battle, or we fail to accomplish our part in the bigger mission; someone close to us becomes vulnerable to attack. Our enemy will do whatever it takes so you do not realize the potential that God has created you with, you are a fierce warrior when operate in our God-given destiny to take down strongholds and build up kingdoms. You have what it takes to be a mighty warrior in Godâs army! But you must put your faith into action to build strength in yourself and to encourage others to do the same. Living out our faith can be: making church attendance and serving a priority, breaking addictions and generational curses, getting out of debt, staying sexually pure until marriage, offering forgiveness, etc.
Itâs your job to hold up your shield of faith for your children, grandchildren, and those you love and care about until they can hold up their own shield in the battle. A shield will not raise itself; it is useless without the strong grip of the warrior to lift the shield in protection. Once the shield is effectively implemented it will extinguish every flaming arrow of the enemy. Take up your shield warrior and wield it effectively. Guard yourself from losing your faith. For you become vulnerable and those you love will be vulnerable too. Stand strong! When we can do nothing else simply stand and do not be moved!
The Bible tells us to be stand firm in the faith and be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13). It also tells us to stand firm in Philippians 4:1. Or how about being steadfast and immovable (1 Corinthians 15:58)? If you want more, go do a word study on âstandâ in the Bible. I think you will be encouraged and inspired to take your stand for faith when you do.
In His Grip, Jean
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