The Triumph of Faith: Let the Word Be Your Compass and Let Christ Direct the Helm

Paul writes in Ephesians 6:16 (NIV): “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” I love inclusive words like “all” in Scripture. As a believer, our resolute faith in Jesus enables us to extinguish “all” the flaming arrows aimed at us from the adversary of our souls. And to be sure, the enemy sends many fiery trials our way longing for us to fall. God has given us the power to walk in a manner worthy of this great Gospel we proclaim – no matter what circumstances prevail. We do not have to fall, indeed we need not fall - Amazing! As we trust in Jesus and lean not on our own understanding, He gives us the power to walk as He did. Unfortunately, we still have the sinful nature and selfish bents that cling to us as gum to the bottom of a shoe. As long as we live in this broken and fallen world we will battle sin, self and Satan. And for certain, the enemy sends many things our way – as if our own flesh were not enough for us to battle! Praise God that our faith can shine and triumph over them all through the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling every child of the King.

God has equipped us with all that we need to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus. Indeed, Christ was to be the Firstborn among many brothers of which we are included. He expects us to bear fruit in keeping with our repentance. We are to shine like stars in the universe as we hold out the Word of Life to others and to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus – for our good and for His glory. Our faith can shine and triumph over reason and nature as it is other worldly in its nature. It equips us to do “pala” things – things too hard for mere flesh to accomplish. As we go forth in the power of God we can slay the giants of fear, anxiety, timidity and all other obstacles that prevent us from accomplishing God’s good and pleasing and perfect will. Further, we are equipped to walk in a manner worthy of this precious Gospel we profess.

Faith can triumph over reason and nature – not simply just persevere. It can tackle great obstacles for Christ which is its crown. To live and reign amidst all the turmoil and tempests takes great faith for the follower of the Lord Jesus where flesh would merely yield and faint. When wave after wave crashes in upon us, flesh often caves, the spirit faints and the heart fails. Faith remembers to whom it belongs and that nothing befalls the heirs of mercy apart from the overruling eye and hand of the Almighty God. Who is not only our wise and loving and tender Father, but Who knows what we are made of and gives us the exact measures we need to make us more and more like Jesus. God keeps us by His great power under the Rock of Christ.