During Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf, Americans learned about new technology such as smart bombs with pinpoint accuracy. We heard about missiles with cameras to show whether they hit their intended targets. As we walk with God, the devil fires his so-called smart bombs at us. His flaming arrows are swift and silent. We don’t receive advanced warnings of the attacks. They come unexpectedly and at the most inopportune times. They may come in the form of an impure thought, a moment of hatred, or an onslaught of fear and worry. And when we feel guilty for having these kinds of thoughts, our accuser, the devil, moves in for the kill He whispers, “How could you think about something like that? What’s wrong with you? What kind of a Christian are you?” We need to understand that this is an enemy attack. It’s a barrage of flaming arrows. So, what are we supposed to do when this happens? The apostle Paul gives us the answer in Ephesians 6: “In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil” (verse 16 NLT). Notice this is a shield of faith, not a shield of emotions. If we base our Christian life on fluctuating emotions, we will quickly suffer defeat. There will be times when we don’t feel God’s presence. There will be times when we don’t feel that great. It is then that we come back to faith in what God has said and in His promises to us. It is then that we take God at His Word and believe. The Bible tells us, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith” (1 John 5:4 NLT). Faith is of paramount importance. As long as you believe God, you’re raising the shield of faith. | 
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