Interestingly, the word “faith” is only used 2X in the Old Testament, but it occurs in 229 verses in the New Testament. Truly, it reveals the importance of faith in the life of the New Testament believer that God wants us to have. After all, we are told in the Old Testament: “the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

Several times, Jesus rebuked His disciples for not having much faith. The first occurrence is when He was telling them about God’s care for them in Mt. 6:30: “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”

There was another time when they were in a boat and a storm came up. The winds and waves had almost sank their boat – but Jesus was sound asleep. When they woke Him, He said: “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”

A third time was when they forgot to take bread. Jesus began talking about the “leaven of the Pharisees,” and they thought He was criticizing them for their lack of being prepared. Jesus rebuked them again: “Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?” (Mt. 16:8).

Jesus did not merely criticize them for a lack of faith. He was pointing out that they should have had faith in those instances and could have had it. They knew Who He was and had seen other miracles.

We also could have much greater faith if we stay close to Him and are daily in the Word. The text verse shows us that our faith is strengthened by the Word of God. The more you read and study it the greater your faith can become. Hide it in your heart and meditate on it through the day – and you will see your faith grow.

Don’t let our Lord have to rebuke you for a lack of faith. Also remember that the shield of faith can quench every fiery dart of the Devil. Faith in God’s power to deliver still works!

The world we live in is very capable of weakening the resolve of every Christian to serve the Lord. Many saints in the Bible turned away from God – Some of them even after having served faithfully for many years. No believer is free from that possibility in his or her life.

In this passage about the Christian’s armor, Paul says that it is most important (“above all”) that you take up “the shield of faith.” At the same time, do not neglect the other pieces of armor, either! All of them are needed if you want complete victory.

If you recall, Jesus said that mountains could be removed by faith. Our Lord also told Peter that He was praying that Peter’s faith “fail not” (Luke 22:32). Notice that Jesus did not make it happen. Peter had Jesus praying for him, but Peter had to use the right instruments for his faith to be strong! It was God’s will that he stand – but remember: “according to your faith be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29).

The shield of faith is not an option. By it, you will be able to “quench all the fiery darts” of the Devil and his servants. Notice the little word “all” – it leaves no room for exceptions!What a promise!

Now, how does a believer increase faith? Through prayer? No. Through Christian service? No. Through frequent recommitment? No.

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans. 10:17). You must “hear” the Word of God to gain faith; it means read it often, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it through the day. This is why it is so important that you spend some quality time in the Bible every day, and prayer. Time in the Word will reveal weaknesses that need to be strengthened, qualities that need to be added, sins and compromises that need to be forsaken, and give guidance and powerful promises.

Could it be that a lack of time in the Word is the real reason for your frequent defeat? If so, will you ask God to help you spend more time in the Word every day and with Him in prayer and fellowship?

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Have you seen these related posts?

Standing Fast in the Lord

Standing Fast in God’s Power

Standing Fast in God’s Armor