Me: What is that Prodigal?
Prodigal: It is my shield and I need to use it today.
Me: Let me share how the shield is used.
This is from the book Overcoming Spiritual Blindness by James P. Gills, M.D.
The most versatile defensive armor of the soldier was his shield. With great quickness, he could quickly divert blows and fiery arrows from many angles. This shield, Paul says, is our faith–faith in God’s Word and in the living, reigning God who spoke it and stands by it. It is faith that we are protected by Christ-our Shield.
Spiritual blindness deadens our faith and leaves us unshielded from the enemy. However, true living faith holds up what God’s Word says to divert the lies that the devil shoots into the mind. These lies are the soul-damaging and soul-destroying deceptions that come at us out of our blind spots and stir us to reject God’s way–the good way, the only way–and pursue the way of self and sin. First Peter 5:9 tells us to resist the devil steadfastly in the faith. And John declares, “This is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith” (1 John 5:4).
The Bible declares that God is our shield and exceedingly great reward (Gen. 15:1). And He is our very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). When I can see clearly, I am shielded from the debilitating effects of accusation and malicious criticism by believing only what God says about me. He says I am loved with an everlasting love (Jere. 31:3). Accusers will say that God has cast me off, but faith says He will never leave me nor forsake me (Heb. 13.5).
You want to focus on the slander, the hurt, the critics and their words. How could people say so many things about you, and think they know you and yet have never spoken to you. Forgive them and now focus on the truth of what God says about you.
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:14
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
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