WINNING THE BATTLE: Shield of Faith
When unforeseen events come flying your way that draw you away from God, maybe they are flaming arrows from the evil one. In order to protect yourself, make sure you carry your faith around with you as it is the best shield there is for such arrows! Tune in to find out more about faith and to hear a story about a disciple who showed a lack of faith (Thomas) and what Jesus says about it.
Here are the bible verses quoted in today's episode:
Ephesians 6:14-16
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Hebrews 11:1
Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.
John 20:19-20, 24-29
The disciples were afraid of the Jewish leaders, and on the evening of that same Sunday they locked themselves in a room. Suddenly, Jesus appeared in the middle of the group. He greeted them and showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they became very happy.
Although Thomas the Twin was one of the twelve disciples, he wasn't with the others when Jesus appeared to them. So they told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But Thomas said, “First, I must see the nail scars in his hands and touch them with my finger. I must put my hand where the spear went into his side. I won't believe unless I do this!”
A week later the disciples were together again. This time, Thomas was with them. Jesus came in while the doors were still locked and stood in the middle of the group. He greeted his disciples and said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands! Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!”
Thomas replied, “You are my Lord and my God!”
Jesus said, “Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!”
Today's Questions:
Do you ever have doubts that God is real?
We can’t be like Thomas and actually see Jesus and his scars, so what other way can we get rid of the doubts that creep in and stop us from having faith?
Did you say pray? I think asking for God’s help may be the best option for getting rid of doubts, so for the 3rd point, why not pray together now, for God to give you a strong faith in him.
