“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Eph. 6:16 NIV)
All of us get under attack from the enemy from time to time. It is just a part of living in the world. It can come in the form of fear, worry, strong temptation, oppression, depression or as an all-out anxiety attack. But, you don’t have to put up with any of it!
The Bible says the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking who he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8). It tells us to “be alert and sober minded.” The next verse says, “Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” (Eph. 5:9)
When any of these evil attacks happen to you, recognize them for what they are, “flaming arrows from the evil one.” Then, “take up the shield of faith” (use the Word of God) and then extinguish them!
Here’s what the Word of God says
“We wrestle not against flesh and blood.” The enemy is the devil and he attacks our minds (our thoughts). “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph. 6:12)
Our fight is a spiritual one and must be fought with spiritual weapons. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God to the pulling down of strongholds.” (2 Cor. 10:4-5 NKJV)
God is in you and He is greater than Satan and his demonic forces! “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
God won’t allow the devil to attack you beyond what you can withstand. “There is no temptation (tests and trials brought by Satan) that can come upon you but such as is common to man (things in this natural, carnal world): but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (attacked by Satan with testing and trials) beyond what you can handle; but will with the temptation (at the same time) also make a way to escape, that you may be able to have victory over it.” (1 Cor. 10:13)
God gives you power against the enemy. “Look, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19) When the devil attacks you, do the following. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you….come close to God, and He will come close to you.” (James 4:7-8)
