Faith That Won't Fail: Wielding the Shield of Faith in Life's Battles

Every day, we face battles. Some are obvious, while others are subtle, waging war in our minds and hearts. Whether it's fighting off worry, choosing to bite our tongue instead of lashing out, or struggling to keep our thoughts pure, these are all spiritual battles. As believers, we're called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against these challenges.

One crucial piece of this spiritual armor is the shield of faith. But what exactly is this shield, and how do we put it to use in our defense?

In ancient times, a Roman soldier's shield was their first line of protection. Made of multiple layers of wood, covered in fabric and leather, and often soaked in water before battle, these shields were designed to withstand even flaming arrows. Similarly, our faith is meant to protect us from the fiery darts of the enemy.

However, faith can mean different things to different people. For some, it's a source of strength and comfort. For others, it may be associated with pressure or disappointment, especially if they've been in environments where lack of faith was blamed for life's hardships. So how do we develop a faith that won't fail, even when life doesn't go as expected?

The apostle Paul, writing to early Christians facing intense persecution, provides a powerful perspective on unshakeable faith. In Romans 8, he declares, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" He goes on to list various hardships - trouble, persecution, famine, danger, even death - and confidently states that none of these can separate us from God's love.

What's remarkable is that Paul wasn't speaking from a place of comfort or ease. He had experienced beatings, imprisonment, hunger, and multiple assassination attempts. Yet, he could boldly proclaim that in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Christ.

The key to Paul's unwavering faith wasn't in God's power or plan, though those are certainly important. Instead, he anchored his faith in God's love. This shift in perspective is crucial. It's one thing to believe God loves us; it's another to trust in that love so completely that we can face any circumstance with confidence.

Often, our faith falters not because we lack belief, but because we're putting our faith in the wrong things. We might trust in our own efforts, financial security, or relationships to solve our problems. But when these fail us, we're left feeling even more strained and defeated.

The early church, facing intense persecution, didn't see their hardships as proof of God's absence. Instead, they viewed their trials as part of God's process to spread His message of love and power. Their faith was strengthened, not weakened, by adversity.

So how do we develop this kind of resilient faith? Here are three key principles:

1. Faith must be received. Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ." Our faith begins and continues to grow as we receive God's Word. This is why regular church attendance and Bible study are so crucial - they deposit faith into our lives, preparing us for difficult times.

2. Faith must grow. James reminds us that faith without works is dead. We need to exercise our faith, putting it into action. This might mean stepping out to serve others, giving generously, or sharing our faith more openly. Each time we choose to trust God in practical ways, our faith grows stronger.

3. Faith must be activated. In Ephesians 6, we're commanded to "take up" the shield of faith. This implies action and intentionality. Faith isn't a feeling; it's a choice. We must choose to trust God even when it doesn't make sense, to hold onto His love even when circumstances make Him feel distant.

One practical way to activate our faith is by speaking or praying God's Word. Remind yourself of what God has done in the past and what He has promised for the future. The declarations in Romans 8 are a great place to start: "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Consider the analogy of a child being asked to jump from a roof into their father's arms. What gives the child the courage to jump isn't just the father's size or strength, but the confidence in the father's love. The child knows that even if they start to fall, their father loves them enough to risk injury to keep them safe.

This is the kind of love our heavenly Father has for us. If He was willing to sacrifice His own Son for our sake, what would He not do for us? This love should be the bedrock of our faith, giving us confidence to face any challenge.

As you go through your week, remind yourself: "If God loves me, God's got me." Let this truth sink deep into your heart until it becomes your automatic response to every difficulty. Whether you're facing depression, battling a dysfunctional habit, or navigating a seemingly impossible situation, anchor yourself in God's unfailing love.

In a world full of uncertainty and challenges, we need a faith that won't fail. By receiving faith through God's Word, growing it through action, and intentionally activating it in our daily lives, we can develop a shield of faith strong enough to withstand any fiery dart the enemy throws our way. Remember, you are more than a conqueror through Christ who loves you. Stand firm in that love, and let your faith be your shield.