The Importance of the Shield of Faith

Jessica Smith Art notebook drawing

Ephesians 6:16 “Above all else, taking the Shield of Faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the Wicked One!”

Several years ago, during a time of being beaten down by the devil, I cried out to the LORD in prayer for help. I was drowning in despair. I simply couldn’t win the battles of life. I was stressed, tired, and in anguish. I wanted to die. Then God showed up as He always does.

I had a dream. In the dream, the Holy Spirit came to show me my error. He stood at my right side. His presence was soothing, strengthening, and forever desirable.

Then suddenly Satan also showed up. He took a very close stance just a few yards in front of me and began to shoot me continually with arrows. These sharp darts were piercing through my chest and plunging deep into my soul. The Holy Spirit spoke into my ear, “Do you see?” He drew my attention to the arrows inside of my soul. I understood now why I was in so much pain. 

I looked inside of my inner being and saw these “fiery darts.” They were dangerous and causing damage. These sharp arrows pierced through my chest and entered deep inside and immediately began to dissolve into deadly poison until the arrow disappeared. 

Any arrow that was not immediately removed dissolved into a poison that began to travel through my entire body, soul, and mind. The poison was making me sick, even unto death… and the arrows never stopped coming. I was being bombarded constantly with more and more arrows from the wicked one.

The Holy Spirit had been gently explaining and showing all this to me, but then He suddenly exclaimed, “Look at the ground in front of you! Look what is at your feet!” I looked down at my feet. There it was… just laying there… my shield of faith. 

The Holy Spirit exclaimed loudly, “Pick it up, and take hold of it!” I bent down and took it up and held it in front of my body. The devil did not stop shooting the arrows at me, but now they were hitting my shield of faith and falling to the ground instead of piercing through my chest. No more arrows. No more poison. So now I had to keep my shield up and work on getting the poison of the old arrows out through forgiveness, prayer, and repentance.

God was faithful. He heard my prayer for help, and He came to my rescue. The devil was attacking me viciously, and I did nothing to stop him because I didn’t know how to. God showed me what I was doing wrong and how to change it. The Lord says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Let’s take up our shield of faith and renew our minds.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV) THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD –  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….

by Jessica Smith

Rise Up

“Wake Up” – by Meghan Williams, Dyed4you Art

Rise up, My people, rise up. The alarm sounds for the time of war, and I need you to be awake and vigilant. There is much territory for the kingdom of light to take, and I have fully equipped you to cast out the kingdom of darkness. Therefore, take care not become lax and forget who you are and what I have called you to do. Resist the voice of defeat which would have you believe you are a victim of any earthly circumstance. Shake off the weariness of past battles fought in your own strength. A new day of war is ahead—a war already won by My might and My Spirit. Continue reading “Rise Up”

Declare with Courageous Confidence

Acts 4:31 (VOICE) They finished their prayer, and immediately the whole place where they had gathered began to shake. All the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began speaking God’s message with courageous confidence.

Beloved, you have been filled and empowered by My Holy Spirit. Walk the victory My Spirit brings. With courageous confidence declare My Word and in unwavering expectation watch for My promises to unfold. I AM faithful and you are mighty in Me.

You are equipped, beloved. Protected in the armor of God with My heavenly hosts at the ready beside. Never doubt our strength or give in to the temptation to fear. I AM steadfast and I AM sure. Prophesy, beloved. Declare My Word into all the earth. For I AM good and greatly to be praised.

My Word is a Mighty Weapon

Proverbs 30:5 (NLT) Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

Beloved, My Word is a mighty weapon – a two-edged sword. It is unbreakable and true. I AM your shield – put your faith in Me. Stand fast in the day of trouble and rely on your firm foundation to keep your stance secure.

I will not shake. I will not move. My Word is true, and a safety to all who cling to it, for I AM steadfast and mighty, and My Word gives keen insight that uncovers dark motives and hidden agendas. Trust in Me. Trust in My Word. Look to Me for your protection.

Mighty in Me

2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

Beloved, be not defenseless in the face of your enemy, but rather having donned your armor, cling to your shield of faith and wield your sword of truth. For I have equipped you to withstand the onslaught of the enemy of your soul.

And yet, just as one would not attempt a marathon never having trained, be mindful to exercise your faith at all times to be prepared for the times of turmoil which will surely come. I AM with you to strengthen you. Do your part, for I have not left you helpless or defenseless, but mighty in Me.

Arm Yourself

Ephesians 6:13-17 (AMP) Therefore, put on the complete armor of God…And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Beloved, arm yourself by immersing yourself in My word. How can one combat a lie – how can one even recognize it – if one does not take the time to know the truth? Without a foundation of truth, you are ill equipped to stand against the evil one, and that vulnerability is one too easily leveraged by the forces of darkness.

But when you have feasted on My word – meditating on it and allowing it to go deep within your heart – My Spirit will quicken it to your remembrance in a moment of need, a sharp-edged sword able to separate not just truth from a lie, but even the intricacies of twisted truths. Remember beloved, when My Son was tempted in the wilderness, the enemy quoted My word to him. It is not enough just to read, one must learn to understand, to know My heart. As you study, My Spirit will teach you. Intentionally unite in purpose allowing the breath of My Spirit to quicken My truth in your heart. Continue reading “Arm Yourself”

Silk: Eyes Wide Open

The following silk has an AWESOME silk story that goes with it, which you can find on the Dyed4you blog: Eyes Wide Open: A Message in Silk.

The name of this piece is Eyes Wide Open. It is comprised a combination of silks, the words of which are shared below as well as the download He shared concerning their combined meaning in addition to the name above. The silks in this are:

  • Focused on His Kingdom
  • Sword of the Spirit

Continue reading “Silk: Eyes Wide Open”

Confident Authority and Uprightness

Psalm 84:11 (VOICE) For the Eternal God is a sun and a shield. The Eternal grants favor and glory; He doesn’t deny any good thing to those who live with integrity.

Beloved, stand fast in My truth – armed and ready to withstand and not be shaken in the face of the evil one. I stand with you and enforce your victory. No weapon formed against you will prosper for you are Mine beloved and My covering rests upon you.

So walk in confident authority and uprightness; reflecting My character and nature that I might be made known. Extend grace even as you stand firm with your sword of truth and shield of faith to hand. Victory is Mine and it is assured.

Boldly Evident 

Ephesians 6:13, 17 (AMP) Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger]…And take the helmet of salvation…

Beloved, you have the mind of Christ. Refuse to allow the enemy to set up camp in your thought life. He may pester and poke, but only you can grant him access. So send him packing. Take the thought bombs he lobs at you captive. Refuse to take the bait.

Worry is not from Me. Fear is not from Me. Lust is not from Me. Greed is not from Me. Beloved, you know Me. Filter your thoughts through My word and My heart and you will clearly know which ideas originate from above and which come from below. Think on that which is good and perfect and true, assume positive intent, and walk in integrity of character that the joy of your salvation might be boldly evident for all to see.