Shield of Faith

Hi Friends.

Continuing the subject of the Armor of God, I just wanted to share a quick encouragement on faith.

Faith is like air. We can always have it, and not be aware of it – but by the time we realize we are languishing things are in a bad way.

For the longest time in my life, faith was an abstract concept. It was something I was sure that existed in my life, but ask me what it was, or how I knew it was a reality and I could not give a good answer. To be honest, I never gave it much thought.

Of course, we all know the verse:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen 
(Hebrews 11:1a).

But it goes on.. “For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.  By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” (Hebrews 11:1b-2)

We live in a world that is both seen and unseen. Of course, there are the things that we can see with our natural eyes, but beyond what we can see there are the things spiritual, demons, angels, God etc.  

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11:3)

Our faith is our ability to stand on God’s word, something that is real but not seen to our eyes. It is our confidence in what He has declared and what He is doing. It is not simply wishing things into being, it is perceiving what God is doing and being a conduit of that through your expectations and even actions. 

While faith is ours to nurture, it is also something that comes from God. He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He will give it to us if we ask, he will also lead is through journeys to see it tested and grown – sometimes through dark places where we must hold to His hand.

In moments of turmoil, we can choose to partner with the enemy’s hopes or God’s plans. In whichever we put our expectation, we align with and become a partner to it. The more we do partner with it, and see His hand at work – the more our faith grows and with it our testimony of what He has done.

I have known many people that always expect the worst, and calamity seems to follow them. Of course, there are many factors that can influence success or failure, but certainly where our expectations lie can indeed be part of the equation. Faith is not simply wishing things into reality – for good or evil.

Faith comes from God, it is a gift we all have. It is only through born-again eyes that we can know God’s plans to partner with them. Like any gift, using it will help it grow and mature, as we mature.

Our faith in God is a shield. Our confidence in the Lord is the way we can have peace through dark times, and rejoice in the good times. He is faithful, he loves us deeply and is our powerful Lord and friend through the good and dark times.

I hope that encourages you.