In my work as a physician assistant I frequently have to don PPE, personal protective equipment. When I’m dealing with an open wound or someone with a respiratory illness, such as COVID or RSV, I have to put on a mask and, sometimes, eye protection, gloves, and a gown to protect myself from exposure to potential disease carrying body fluids.
In our daily lives we are constantly being exposed to the deadly virus called sin which has infested our planet and all its inhabitants, bringing death, destruction, and untold misery. Every moment of every day the enemy throws his flaming darts of temptation our way, seeking to reinfect God’s children with this virus, so he can once again claim them as his own.
To prevent this from happening we must daily don our spiritual PPE, the armor of God, including “the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16 NIV).
Through faith we can defeat giants, close the mouths of lions, walk through fire, stand up in the face of persecution and even raise the dead. By faith we can resist temptation, have peace in the midst of turmoil, find joy in even the darkest hour, and stay true to God when all those around us turn away. “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4 NIV)
But the shield of faith is not fashioned by men. No, this faith that “can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” was forged by Christ Himself, tempered by the fire of Calvary. And He offers it freely to all who will follow Him. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8).
Sometimes it seems impossible to avoid reinfection by the virus of sin. After all, it is all around us. But “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). Today, don your PPE, including the shield of faith and go out to share the Good News that there is a cure for sin and His name is Jesus.