Old Testament: 1 Kings 9-10
Poetry: Proverbs 13
New Testament: Ephesians 6:16
Do you ever feel like you’re being bombarded with issues, concerns, or worries? Have you ever heard yourself saying, “If it’s not one thing, it’s another”? Maybe you’re just having a typical ‘Monday’ even though it’s Thursday. Or maybe you find yourself clumsy dropping things, forgetting why you walked into a room, or having to deal with “that one person” more often than normal? It’s not so much one big thing, it’s just one little thing after another that really tests your patience.
My friend, those big things, those small things, those things in quick succession, those repeated things…those very well could be “flaming arrows of the evil one”.
So why does the author of Ephesians, Paul, specifically use the term “flaming” arrows…why not just regular arrows? If a vulnerable soldier were hit by a normal arrow, it would likely only cause damage to himself. But if a flaming arrow hit him, the flame could catch onto nearby flammable material and cause significant damage.
The comparison leads us to think about how these spiritual attacks affect us and those around us. When we’re experiencing trials and tribulations, how are we treating others? Are we still kind and compassionate or do we take our frustration out on others? When the challenges are mounting up all around us, do we hide out and disengage or do we press on with our commitments and ministries? When the attacks start coming from every angle, are we able to keep our head on straight and make responsible decisions, or are we tempted to act recklessly with our resources and health?
You see, from the evil one’s perspective, the more damage that can be done with a single flaming arrow, the more successful the attack. It’s not just you and your personal faith; it’s your physical and spiritual health, your relationships and ministries that are under attack.
This is why taking up the shield of faith is so vital when engaging in spiritual warfare. A Roman soldier would have his wooden shield soaked in water so that when a flaming arrow hit its intended target, the flame would be extinguished and not cause collateral damage.
Likewise, when we are soaked in the Word of God, those attacks become a little less hazardous to how we choose to carry on in the battle.
In John 7:38, Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
The more of the living water that we have flowing through us, the more protected we are from the enemy’s attacks on our faith. We need to stay spiritually hydrated by engaging in the Word of God on a regular and consistent basis. This will build up our faith and protect us from the flaming arrows that are pointed in our direction.
-Bethany Ligon
Reflection Questions
- What do you see and recognize as flaming arrows of the evil one? How can recognizing them as flaming arrows of the evil one improve your response to them? Which ones have attacked you or caught you off-guard most recently?
- Where/when have you seen a flaming arrow in action – with the potential of injuring or taking down more than just the one it hit? How can we guard against the effect of the flames of these arrows?
- How strong is your shield of faith? Does it have weak spots that make you more vulnerable? What can you do to strengthen your shield?
Seek Grow Love 