Stand and Withstand! (Part Two: Gospel of Peace and the Shield of Faith)

Scripture:  Ephesians 6:10-18 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

The third piece of the armor is the sandal with the gospel of peace.  Ephesians 6:15 says “And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.  Roman soldiers wore thick sandals, which were made to help protect their feet during long battles or marches.  The sandals had spikes on the bottom of them to help them stand firm.  Those sandals helped the soldiers for a firm foundation.

As believers, we should have a firm foundation in the gospel (good news – that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins).  There is peace in knowing we are secure in what Jesus has done for us.  When we pray, we should remind ourselves that we have eternal life through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16)  Also, it is important to share our testimony with others, and evangelize – tell others how to invite Jesus Christ into their lives.  Romans 12:18 says “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”  

The fourth piece of the armor of God is the shield of faith.  Ephesians 6:16 says “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”  The Roman soldiers’ shield was made of wood, leather, canvas and metal.  It could be dipped in water, so that it would extinguish the fiery arrows from the enemy.  Faith is the shield for us as believers.  We are constantly in a spiritual battle, and we have to trust in God’s power and protection so that we can continue to be steadfast.  God works all things for good.  (Romans 8:28)  We have to remember God’s promises.  A few of the hundreds of God’s promises are:  He will never leave or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)  He will make your path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)  He will meet all of your needs.  (Philippians 4:19)  In the movie War Room, Ms. Clara had a framed plaque on her wall with all of her answered prayers.  Make a list or keep a journal of the ways God has come through for you in the past. Never give up.  Always trust, rely, depend on the Lord.  

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for the peace that I have with you through Jesus Christ who died on the cross for me.  Help me not to worry about what I am going through, but to trust You, and give me wisdom in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people in my sphere of life.    Help me to be a peacemaker.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)