Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:16

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 11:1-3

Do you remember the Pythagorean theorem from high school geometry class? “The square of the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle equals the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.”¹ Some mathematicians consider it the most important mathematical formula. In many areas of life we find a truth that is of primary importance.

In the spiritual life, faith can be seen as that primary truth. For instance, Paul wrote that the shield of faith can quench “all the fiery darts” Satan throws at us. Not hope and not love—faith is the protective shield. And what is faith? It is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV1984). When discouragement sets in, we lose faith in God. We are no longer “sure” and “certain” of what we hope God can do. When we drop the shield of faith, we are more likely to be struck by other fiery darts: anger, depression, despair, resentment, and more.

To remain sure and certain, feed on God’s promises in Scripture. God never fails to fulfill His Word (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Assurance is the fruit that grows out of the root of faith.
Stephen Charnock

1. “Pythagorean Theorem,” Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

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