The Power of Faith and Salvation

Ephesians 6:16-18

Faith

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Arrows typically lack specific targets as the enemy seeks to diminish the number of their adversaries. By launching attacks from a distance, they aim to subdue anyone bearing the emblem of their foe. Furthermore, arrows sow chaos, disrupting organized forces and enabling enemy ground troops to capitalize on the resulting disarray and division. Through falsehoods, deceit, distraction, and intimidation, they instil uncertainty. We bolster our faith as a defence against these arrows. While they may strike, they will ultimately be quenched. The malevolent forces and their followers seek to inflict harm upon us. Nevertheless, we need not respond in a manner that would lead to our own destruction through anger or vindictiveness, as such reactions can render our hearts vulnerable to negative influences.

Therefore, the shield of faith prevents these fiery arrows, designed to penetrate our hearts, when they meet our protective shield. Not every occurrence warrants our immediate reaction. Allow the adversary to exhaust their arsenal of arrows so you may continue with your duties, the same tasks those arrows were meant to disrupt.

Salvation

Take the helmet of salvation.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary provides the following definition of salvation: deliverance from the power and effects of sin. The helmet retains significant importance in times of danger, as evidenced by its continued use in our modern age. Whether in peace or war, the helmet offers crucial protection against ammunition, blows, and collisions, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the head, the most vulnerable part of our bodies. The relatively smaller size and increased mobility of the head make it a poor target for opponents, especially from a long range, compared to the chest.

However, in close combat, blows to the head can have devastating effects, potentially incapacitating individuals without necessarily resulting in fatality. Head injury can impair thinking and vision, posing a severe threat. The helmet of salvation may not shield us from sin, but in the event of succumbing to sin, its effects will not impair our vision, which is now aligned with the will of God. This enables us to navigate through the darkness while walking in the light.

In conclusion

Every day presents us with opportunities to don the complete armour of God for the betterment of ourselves and others. This practice fosters mindfulness, purposefulness, and effectiveness in our daily endeavours, even in adversity. The armour of God exemplifies the message of Psalm 25, as the presence of our adversaries does not diminish the manifestation of God’s grace and the provision of His favour in our lives.

Psalm 23:5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

#ToUnderstandIsDivine