Your Shield of Faith: God’s Covering Power!

When a soldier fights an enemy, he must be well protected and equipped so that victory may be achieved. As children of God and citizens of heaven, our combat is not against human beings, “but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age” (Ephesians 6:12 NKJV); “against the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12 ESV). Our equipping comes from God; we possess the finest weapons that demonstrate the victorious force “of His explosive power flowing in and through us” (Ephesians 6:10 TPT). There is one weapon in particular that protects us during the fight, allowing us to stand victorious: it is the shield of faith.

The shield of faith protects the believer’s whole body, as the Greek word for "shield" explains. The Passion Translation confirms this about faith:

“Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith looks at the Word of God, sees the promises, and clings to that promise. Perhaps it could be stated that when your faith is fastened to God’s promises, the promise is pulled into reality and you experience it (Hebrews 11:33 TPT). Faith proves what is unseen according to the Word of God. Faith stands firmly planted on the Word, believing, no matter the circumstances. Faith looks away “from the natural realm and focuses its expectations onto Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:2 TPT).

Your faith is from God and is perfect! Jesus is the One who birthed faith within you (Hebrews 12:2 TPT). He is the One who perfects the faith given to you; “He leads you forward into faith’s perfection” (Hebrews 12:2 TPT). Children of God all have the same faith, “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1); the same faith as Peter and the apostles had. It was given to all of us from God and Jesus Christ, His Son, when we believed in Him.

In our human condition, we may feel weak and evaluate ourselves as inadequate. But the faith of God in us imparts power that makes us strong. It sparks courage, and suddenly we become mighty warriors in battle (Hebrews 11:34 TPT).

By faith, Jesus instructs us to speak to our circumstances, believing as we speak, and expecting the power of God that is released to change that thing. Jesus demonstrated this by speaking to the fig tree with its resulting death. (Mark 11:22,23). We see Jesus speak to storms to calm them, diseases to heal, and demons to make them flee. He changed water into wine and multiplied bread and fish. This is the power of a faith-filled word! Circumstances don’t dictate to us, but by faith, we dictate to circumstances.

God’s great favor rests upon those who believe His Word, those who trust Him and take what He has promised by faith. Mary confirmed this truth. She was told by an angel that she would give birth to the Son of God! Ridiculous! Outrageous! But God said it, and she believed it! Mary took the promise by faith: “Great favor rests upon you (Mary), for you have believed every word spoken to you from the Lord” (Luke 1:45).

What promises have you fastened your faith to? What has God spoken to you, and what do you believe? Remember, every Word spoken by God has a purpose. Every Word spoken by God accomplishes what it says; it prospers in the thing for which He sent it. God’s Word never returns void! (Isaiah 55:11). The Word of God creates the foundation of your hopes and paints a picture of the inheritance you possess as a child of God.

You know, by faith, according to the Word of God, that God cares for you and that He loves you. When you know that God loves you, you won’t let the enemy talk you out of God's promises. You know the truth, and you stand well-balanced, steadfast. God is good! He has a good plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10). He is intimately acquainted with you. In kindness, He follows you. His hand is upon you. Knowing this truth by faith, you confirm, “Wherever I go, Your hand will guide me; Your strength will empower me” (Psalm 139:10). God is thinking about you every single moment, and He cherishes you. He is with you always (Psalm 139:17,18). You know by faith that His loving goodness, mercy, and unfailing love follow you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6)! You know by faith that He has drawn you to Himself, out of satan’s control and dominion; now you live in the dominion of Jesus Christ! (Colossians 1:13). You know by faith that in Him you lack nothing (Psalm 23:1)! Even now in the midst of any difficulty, He is upholding you by the mighty power of His spoken Word (Hebrews 1:3).

God’s faith given to you, the moment you believed in His Son, is a powerful part of your armor for living a victorious life. It is a gift of grace by love. It was God’s pleasure to give you perfect faith, that you may enjoy His blessings, His accomplishments through Jesus Christ.