"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." v16 Ephesians 6:10-18. NIV
No matter who you are or where you come from, if you belong to Jesus - a Christian, you will be attacked by the devil in some way. He will use whoever is available to give you a bad time. This is his style; you see, he's not like God who can be everywhere at one time and do everything at once. No, he is limited so he has to recruit others.
Now these people may not even know they are being used, some will but not many. Usually the devil will use family, friends, neighbours or whoever he can, to have a go at us. You are usually in for an attack when you have done something significant for God, or you are planning to. If he can prevent you doing this, he is pleased, so don't allow him this pleasure. You must realise that there is a war going on - a spiritual one (Ephesians 6:12). You enlisted on active service the day you asked Jesus into your life, so you are in the middle of it.
Life can be ticking over very nicely and then, WHAM, a flaming arrow is fired at you and it may bring heartache, panic and pain. This is why we need to put on the armour of God each day and hold up the shield of faith to extinguish the flaming arrows that come our way. The shield is based on the Roman shield that was covered with leather, which was then soaked in water. The reason being, the flame-tipped arrows would be put out as they hit the shield.
Don't think you can get away from these attacks. No, we have to learn to stand up to them and refuse to allow them to deter us from going forward and having a good day. Unfortunately, after certain attacks - the ones that really hurt our hearts and disarm us, we can feel like folding up and running away. Don't allow this to happen. Stand up and pray; take control of the situation in Jesus' name and gain the victory. Don't settle for defeat.
Have you ever felt that you are at the bottom of a deep mine shaft and you've managed to climb up to the top. Just as you are going to climb out, something happens and you fall back to the bottom again. That's how certain attacks can make us feel. It's rather like making a promise that you'll never do a certain thing again and when you do, you feel that you will have to start all over again.
Just think for a moment, if you were at the bottom of a mine shaft, you would not have to climb up to the top to be able to get out. No, Jesus would be right there with you and, what's more, He would take us through a door and show us a new way out. There is no need for us to flap or become upset, He knows the way and and will help us as we call on Him.
How are you coping today? Remember our text last week? 'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 NIV. That is the answer. We are in battle and trying to sort it out ourselves may just make it worse. Give it to Jesus. He knows what He is doing!
Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave a message