I wasn’t prepared for some of the heart-dropping plunges of doubt and fear that hit me as I lived out my faith in Jesus, my Savior. Attempting to actively live my life in Christ I felt and saw God at work in my life. I had a need and the Lord would answer it. It was amazing-- like something straight out of the Bible. And then the doubt came… Doubt. Followed by fear. They were expertly targeted, extremely effective flaming arrows from the devil that hit their marks in my heart. Fighting faith crippling doubt accompanied by fear wasn't a first-time experience for me, but I this time wasn’t prepared. I didn’t have my shield raised. Using people, situations, and challenges in my life, Satan can stir the doubt pot and I start asking myself: "Am I sure God can be trusted?" "Am I sure Jesus is really the only way to heaven?" “Can God really keep me safe?” I start asking the questions to which I know the answers, but they rattle my trust in God at my core. We need to remember our Bible when our doubt arises. The Apostle Paul tells us that the devil is purposefully targeting us to mess with our lives. In Ephesians 6:16, the Apostle Paul reminds us, "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16 ESV). Satan’s flaming arrows will dig deep, hurt, and burn if we aren’t deflecting them with our shield of faith, the Lord’s fire extinguisher. Sometimes such arrows manifest as faith-challenging doubt, paralyzing fear, or isolating distrust. What flaming arrows are you trying to deflect in your life, Prayer Partner? Are flaming arrows hitting their mark, embedding and setting your life on fire OR are you firmly holding your shield of faith and watching the Lord extinguish Satan’s attempts to disable you? Though Satan’s arrows of doubt, fear, and distrust may darken our sky, in His Word, God tells us our defense is the shield of faith that He alone gives us. Faith is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8), given to us to bring us into relationship with God and shield us during spiritual attack. To strengthen my faith during a low time I continue to practice it even when it’s challenged. I practice my faith by humbling my heart in repentance and praying through the Bible. God’s Word applies personally to me and to you. Praying the Word of God, using Scripture as a personal petition, can be very effective in deflecting Satan’s arrows and renewing my faith in Jesus. If you feel the onslaught of Satan’s flaming falsehoods: fear, doubt, and distrust, make the Bible personal. I encourage you to pray Psalm 91 (about being under attack) or Psalm 23 (about God’s love and providing) within the next 24 hours. I don’t know how, but the Lord will answer you, possibly giving your heart His peace if He doesn't answer otherwise. I encourage you to open your eyes and heart to discern how He answers you when you pray. As believers in Jesus, through His forgiveness on the cross and resurrection from the dead, we are His shield bearers and armor wearers. We can trust the Lord’s promises of covering and protection. We can trust in the God of our salvation! I encourage you to remain in your faith in Jesus Christ when the physical, emotional, and spiritual battle is most intense. Fight fire with faith. Practice your faith, raise your shield, and smell the smoke as Satan’s arrows are each extinguished by the one true God. To God be the glory, Sarah Would you pray with me? Dear Lord, when the flaming arrows shoot my way please strengthen my faith and shield me. I know You are faithful. In Jesus Christ I trust as Lord and Savior. In Jesus Christ's name I pray, amen.
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