Living It Out – Daily Bible Study 06.27.12
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WEDNESDAY— Trust God No Matter What!
Big Point: When everything seems to be going wrong in life and the arrows always seem to be directed at you, believe that God is going to help you and He has plans to prosper you.
Over the years, we have seen superhero Captain America evolve, but the one thing that has remained steadfast is that he always carried a shield. Not only did this shield offer a sense of protection, but there was always a deep sense of pride inherent in carrying this shield with its red, white and blue markings.
All superheroes know, whether fictional or real, that you must never discount the importance of armor. Armor is to be used for offensive and defensive attacks. But in the case of a shield, its most effective use is to block and intercept attacks. To this day, police officers and militia use shields as a means to defeat their opponent.
What do you do with the
dart of doubt?
Here’s what you do:
You doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs!
A lot of people are stupid and they do the opposite.
That’s dumb!
Doubts are meant
to be doubted.
Beliefs are meant
to be believed.
-Rick Warren
As we learned earlier this week, the enemy will always attempt to shoot arrows at you. He wants you to be distracted and fall prey to his attempts to destroy you. Don’t discount your need for the shield of faith. You must carry it every single day of your life. Carry it with pride, courage and boldness! If the statement “God said it, I believe it, that settles it” makes you feel the least bit cowardly, you will fall susceptible to the enemy’s attack. Carrying the shield of faith involves a deep-seeded trust and belief in Christ, that no matter what happens in this life, we will be shielded. At the end of the day, God’s truth isn’t based on whether you believe it or not. It’s still true even if you don’t believe it—because God cannot lie.
So, where’s your shield of faith?
READ and THINK…Find the answers
What does Ephesians 6:16 say we are to use in fighting the fiery arrows of the devil?
Ephesians 6:16 (New Living Translation)
…hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Answer:
What promise does Romans 8:28 give if we are called according to God’s purpose?
Romans 8:28 (New Living Translation)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Answer:
What does Hebrews 11:6 say happens when we don’t have faith? What’s the definition of faith according to Hebrews 11:1?
Hebrews 11:6 (New Living Translation)
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
Hebrews 11:1 (New Living Translation)
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Answer:
LIVE…What will you do now?
How often do you find yourself following what your feelings tell you and what your eyes see around you as opposed to what God says is true?
The fiery arrows are all mental. They likely involve doubt (Did God really say that—isn’t that just an interpretation?), discouragement (Why do we even try?), delay (Why is this taking so long?), difficulty (Why is this so hard?), and depression (I just feel like giving up!). Which fiery arrow(s) seem to be most prevalent in your life and what have you done to shield yourself from them?
Describe a time or instance in your life when you knew the fiery arrows were just plowing away at your life and you used your shield of faith to fight back?
PRAY…God, What do you want me to know and do?
Ask God to help you to carry the shield of faith that makes you walk through life with confidence, even while at war for your life. Tell Him that you want to please Him, above anything else. Ask Him to help you read the Word of God and study its truth in order to grow deep roots in your heart to trust in it without any question or hesitation.