THE SHIELD OF FAITH

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

Faith is much like a finely ground diamond. There are many facets to it, and any attempt to describe it by looking at it from one angle only is an exercise in futility. It beggars description from finite, human understanding.
But, let me draw your attention to one aspect of Faith which has, to my mind, been neglected somewhat by our fascination with the type of Faith which helps us to get things from God.
Don't misunderstand me. There is NOTHING WRONG with getting things from God-- expecting a miracle each day.
But the Armour of God has a SHIELD OF FAITH, which has nothing to do with daily miracles. It is the most essential part of the Armour.
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
When we are beset on all sides with problems and misfortunes, we need something to help us fend off such darts as doubt, discouragement and bewilderment. We need SHIELD faith at these times. What is SHIELD faith? We please God if we have it, but fail utterly if we lack it.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, (GOD) and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
An old saying was, "When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on."
We falter in the vicissitudes of life unless we have an unfaltering trust in the reality of God's presence and control in our lives.
That is SHIELD faith.

That is VICTORY faith. That is OVERCOMING faith.
I John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (and as such, has complete control of every aspect of our lives.)
In writing to Timothy, Paul mentions the FIGHT OF FAITH in two places. The FIGHT involves maintaining our CONFIDENCE in God under all circumstances which He IN HIS WISDOM allows to come our way.
I Timothy 6:12 FIGHT the good FIGHT of FAITH, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast PROFESSED a GOOD PROFESSION before many witnesses.
II Timothy 4:7 I have FOUGHT a GOOD FIGHT, I have finished [my] course, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.
OVERCOMING FAITH is persuaded that everything which comes our way has had to pass the scrutiny of the eyes of "Him with whom we have to do" before it got to us. HE ALLOWED IT FOR A PURPOSE.
I Peter 1:7 That the trial (documenting, assaying, proving) of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
James 1:3 Knowing [this], that the trying (documenting, assaying, proving) of your faith worketh patience (continuance, remaining under).
These trials, times of testing, do not always turn out to our human benefit. Sometimes we suffer severe losses, WITH GOD'S PERMISSION. Yes, He is STILL A GOD OF LOVE. The strengthening of our commitment to Him is of far greater value than our earthly well being and possessions.
Often, the hottest part of the battle is to keep our confidence intact-- to prevent it from becoming shattered.
Questions such as, "Why? Why me? What are you doing?" tear big chunks out of our SHIELD FAITH.
Jesus prayed for Peter-- not that Peter would be spared the trial, BUT THAT HIS FAITH FAIL NOT.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
WHEN GOD'S PURPOSES ARE ACCOMPLISHED, the testing will stop.
I Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalms 56:11 In God have I put my trust: