“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” ~ Ephesians 6:16
REFERENCE:
Like an enemy out to kill and destroy, satan shoots fiery darts at his targets to overpower them. Satan operates by tricks, employs evil strategies, deliberate deception, and lies by telling you things about yourself, others, and circumstances that are not true.
He begins by flooding the mind with little nagging thoughts, suspicions, doubts, questions, and ideas. He has studied man for a long time and knows what we like or don’t like. He knows our insecurities, weaknesses, fears, and what bothers us most. He is willing to invest the time it takes to defeat us. From our text, the defensive nature of the armor of God shows that satan fires a salvo of fiery darts. There are three main darts in his quiver. Let’s look at them:
1. Temptation: Satan has no power over you; the only way he can rule you is to entice you to sin and displease God, for sin gives him a foothold. He tempted Eve in the garden because he had no ‘place’ in Eve’s life, but he wanted one! The temptation to sin proves that satan is seeking legal grounds in your life. That is how he gets many to give him a place to operate.
2. Deception: Satan has used this to beat many Christians up. They are living in defeat because he has deceived them into believing and living a lie. E.g., “One woman can’t satisfy a man. It is impossible to be a chaste young lady. You must be crooked to make it.” Deception allowed is a stronghold welcome. Many feel guilty and worthless because they don’t see themselves as they should. Satan has deceived them to see God as unconcerned instead of a loving Father, so they feel unworthy and unwanted, not good enough to be accepted by God.
3. Accusation: Satan is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). Not the accuser of the sinners or the world (they are already in his kingdom), but the children of God. Satan loves to take a blood-washed child of God and make him feel dirty, worthless, and a failure. He reminds us of our past sins and failures. If you listen to his accusations, you will begin to meditate on your pasts, and soon, you will feel guilt-ridden and see yourself as a failure. Sometimes, satan employs some yielding humans to accuse you and plant the seeds of low self-image, a sense of worthlessness, condemnation, depression, and rejection in you.
Have you experienced any or all of these satanic-trio fiery darts before? To overcome them, learn to constantly put on the whole armor of God prayerfully. They will protect your mind and heart and keep you from becoming a victim of satan’s shenanigans.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
I Corinthians 10:12-13, II Corinthians 11:2-3, and Revelation 12:10-11
PRAYER:
+ Take today’s reference text and prayerfully put on the whole armor of God.
