Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:16 (ESV) “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”

When I think of the game of darts I think of the pubs and taverns all over England. But the history of darts goes much further back to medieval times. To keep skills sharp, English archers started throwing shortened arrows during peace time. This pastime eventually moved indoors during inclement weather. The shortened arrows became the precursor to today’s darts. Of course arrows, whether short or long, can do great damage, especially when the tips are coated in pitch and set on fire!

Today’s verse describes a very important piece of the armor of God. The shield of faith is our defense against the flaming darts or arrows of Satan. He will use whatever he can to cause the believer to doubt God. Those darts of doubt could be the result of unanswered prayer. The darts may be the result of questions that remain unanswered. Or those darts could be doubts that question God’s character. Is He really good? Does God truly care? When we take up the shield of faith, we can smother those flames that challenge our faith.

When I take up my shield of faith, I can be confident of what I cannot see. My shield of faith makes me bold, resolute and unwavering in my sure hope. Challenges to my faith come every day in the scorn of unbelievers. But even more disturbing are those negative circumstances that tempt me to forget His promises. I take up that shield of faith every time I take up God’s Word! Those flaming darts can do nothing more than fizzle out!

Thank you Lord, that faith in You is my protection!