DOMINION OVER FIERY DARTS (2)

“But You, O LORD, are a SHIELD for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head” – Psalm 3:3

Understanding how to wield the Shield of Faith is the practical dimension of DOMINION OVER HEART DARTS: “But You, O LORD, are a SHIELD for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head” (Psa.3:3). This was David when his son Absalom led a revolt against him following some traumatic and humiliating events. David had reigned for decades as one of the world’s most powerful monarchs. His military prowess was legendary, with Israel’s dominion extending far. He had become superbly wealthy, living in a palace of breath-taking splendour. But then, David committed adultery and murder. Although he repented when the prophet Nathan confronted him, his sins set in motion some devastating consequences that culminated in Absalom’s betrayal and rebellion.

David’s life fell apart; but God remained His Shield! Daily, we face Satan’s flaming darts. But when we know that God Himself is our Shield, no matter how many darts are fired at us, the shield of faith can extinguish them all. But this doesn’t happen automatically. Shields must be picked up and wielded. Here are six steps to wielding the Shield of Faith and exercising Dominion over Fiery Darts:

First is to IDENTIFY the DART. From scriptures, there are several potential fiery darts of Satan, namely: Doubt, Discouragement, Deception, Evil Desire or Lust, Delay, Distraction, Denial, Fear, Hurt, Anxiety or Worry, Pride, and Destruction. The devil deceptively orchestrates circumstances and situations to target the Believer’s heart with one or more of these darts. There are signs or tell-tales that suggest what kind of dart the enemy is trying to bombard our hearts with, such that we can respond appropriately.

We must TRUST GOD that the dart will be quenched. Never accept the lying suggestion of the devil that the discouragement, anxiety, or fear threatening your heart will never abate. It’s crucial to see these as flaming darts that can and must be quenched.          

Undersatnd that the Shield of Faith is what quenches fiery darts; not positive thinking, optimism – looking on the bright side, taking a deep breath, or distracting oneself. As good as these are, none quenches fiery darts because none of these involves faith in Christ.

We apply the Shield of Faith by TURNING to JESUS CHRIST. Faith means trusting all that God has promised to be for us in Jesus Christ. We turn our heart to the Lord as an act of our will. Because of His death on the cross, and by His Mercy, we can turn to God just as we are, confess, and ask for forgiveness for whatever dart we’ve given room to in the heart. Then, we ask Him to strengthen our faith: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mk.9:24b). And He will!

To wield the Shield, we must LOCATE GOD’S PROMISES which counter the flaming dart. Faith means trusting God’s promises. We have faith in His presence when it looks like He’s not there; faith believing His Word when it looks like circumstances have the last word; and faith standing on His Word even when the winds of doubt, floods of discouragement and tough times threaten our hearts.

It’s time to awaken in PRAYERS and apply God’s promises until our faith is strengthened and our heart transformed and lifted by the Holy Spirit. Discouragement turns to hope; deception is dispelled; delay gives way to divine speed. Flaming darts are extinguished.

Although the shield of the typical Roman soldier was used mainly as a defensive or protective weapon, the Shield of Faith is both defensive and offensive. It was worn strapped to the arm and held up to deflect attacks, but also used knock enemies over with force. Faith is a dynamic divine force. Taking the shield of faith will both protect us from fiery darts, and enable us to fight back, taking the battle to the enemy’s gates. God promises to be “strength to those who drive back the battle at the gate” (Isa.28:6, AMP).

When life falls apart, we can experience God’s Peace by laying hold on Him – as our Shield and Head-Lifter – in believing prayer!