Blocking What’s Meant to Break You Scripture: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” — Ephesians 6:16 Notice it says above all. Not because faith is more important than truth or peace—but because once you’re standing firm and walking steady, the enemy starts aiming directly at you. Faith is not about feeling strong. Faith is about deflecting lies you didn’t invite. WHAT THE SHIELD OF FAITH ACTUALLY PROTECTS The shield protects your mind and identity. Fiery darts are not random thoughts. They are strategic lies meant to: - Make you doubt God - Make you question yourself - Make you second-guess your parenting - Make you feel like giving up - Make you believe “this will never change” Darts sound like: - “You’re failing your kids.” - “Other parents have it together—why don’t you?” - “God isn’t really helping.” - “This is just how it’s always going to be.” Those thoughts don’t mean you’re weak. They mean you’re under attack. WHY IT’S CALLED A SHIELD (NOT A SWORD) A shield is defensive, not offensive. Faith doesn’t mean you’re attacking the enemy all day. Faith means you’re not letting his lies land. Roman shields were large—often covering the entire body. And they were meant to be held constantly, not just in battle. Faith is not a moment. Faith is a position. 📖 “We live by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 HOW YOU KNOW YOUR SHIELD IS DOWN This one shows up in your thoughts. Your shield is down when: - You spiral mentally - You replay conversations over and over - You assume the worst - You feel defeated before anything even happens - You start agreeing with negative thoughts The enemy doesn’t need to destroy you he just needs you to believe the lie. HOW TO RAISE THE SHIELD OF FAITH (PRACTICAL) Faith is not pretending everything is fine. Faith is choosing truth over fear in real time. Raising your shield looks like: - Catching the lie immediately - Speaking truth out loud - Refusing to partner with negative assumptions - Reminding yourself what God already said