We know that the devil is trying to destroy us and one of his tools, according to the Bible, is the “fiery dart.” Have you ever had to deal with the “fiery darts?”  I have found a way to reduce their frequency and, amazingly, even benefit from them. Today, I will share this technique with you.

First of all we need to define what the “fiery darts” are: they are anything that discourages or distracts us in our walk with God, anything that destroys what we have (including material possessions), or anything that entices us to curse God. This definition of “fiery darts” is based on the first couple of chapters of the book of Job. Some specific, modern-day examples are: a flat tire on your car; something said to you that is unkind; a problem in your church or home group; or a sickness in your family.

These things happen to everyone. They are part of life. When we experience these things, the enemy is hoping that we react in a negative manner. For instance, if we have a flat tire, we could curse God. If someone says an unkind word to us, we could hate them. If we have a problem in our church, we could stop going. If we, or a family member have a sickness, we could be discouraged and lose our faith. These “fiery darts” can result in a loss of faith and separation from God.

Think of it this way. Satan and his host are shooting these darts at us with intensity and frequency to do the maximum damage. They have been doing this since the original sin in the Garden of Eden. They know what they are doing and have a very good success rate. However, we find in the Bible a tool to counter these “fiery darts.” The Bible says that we need to take up the “shield of faith.” But, how do we do that?  Here is a practical way of taking up the “shield of faith” that I have used; and, when employed, the darts decline drastically: Every time you get a dart, pray that God will use the dart for good in your life and those around you. When the enemy knows that every dart he fires will be used for good, he stops firing them. The enemy’s job is to destroy, not to do good, so he stops firing the darts.  So, this is a simple, effective thing you can do. Also, consider writing each event in a book as an eternal testimony of your faith. Do you see it? This is employing the “shield of faith” in your life; and we know that our faith is very pleasing to God.

Ephesians 6:16  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

So, will this totally eliminate darts? No. The devil will quit firing the darts, but God will intervene and compel the enemy to fire a few from time to time. God knows that we need a few darts so we have the opportunity to exercise our faith. Please read the early part of the book of Job and also the following scripture:

Isaiah 45:7  I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things.

I have used this concept for many years and attest to the fact that it works. I realize now that I need a few darts once in a while; they build faith and character. I thank God for His entire creation: physical and spiritual.

Life is interesting. But what is the purpose? How does it work? And, there is the age-old question: why do we have to live by faith? It would be so simple if God would appear and tell us clearly what He expects and what is important to Him. One of the foremost atheists of our time, when being asked, “what would you say to God if you found out that He did, in fact, exist?” responded, “I would ask Him why He has been so elusive?” This is a common question, so let’s see if we can answer it.

All doctrine has its roots in the early chapters of the book of Genesis: Man sinned and was separated from God. Immediately, God set into place a way of getting man back; He wanted man to be redeemed; and, to accomplish this, He gave man the written word: the Bible. Later, He gave us the living word, Jesus in the flesh. The written word and the living word are one in the same, and our salvation.

Now, we need to look at things from God’s point of view. He is very anxious to get us back. He is focused and intense. He knows we are carnal and sinners and that if He were to be physically near us, we would be consumed by His presence. Please read:

Deuteronomy 4:24  For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

Psalms 68:2  As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

Psalms 97:5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth

Isaiah 64:2  As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!

In His presence we would surely die. Therefore, He has given us protection: faith. Faith is a protective shield for us. We think of it as a protection against our enemies, which it is; but, it is also our protection against the physical presence of God Almighty.

This is precisely why Jesus was sent to us. He, also known as the Word of God, took on a mortal body and lived with us for 33 years. He was without sin, like an unblemished lamb. The Lamb of God was sacrificed to pay for our sins. He was killed and sent to the innermost parts of the Earth. We aren’t sure all He did there, but we know that the result is that if we believe on Him (Jesus), we receive His spotlessness and are adorned by His “robe of righteousness.” This allows us to be in God’s presence forever. In the mean time, faith is an opportunity to be pleasing to God: according to the Bible, it is the only way we can be pleasing to God.

Hebrews 11:6  And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Rejoice that we have protection and all the other benefits of faith. Every little detail in the creation is for our benefit.

To do: Consider these things and when someone asks you, “why do we have to live by faith?” you have an answer: “It is for protection and an opportunity.”