This podcast covers Lesson Five of The Whole Armor of God Bible study. It discusses how God uses our faith as a shield to protect us. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV) We hold onto faith in God keeping His promises when all we see is hardship.

I love this photo above of the police holding smaller and larger shields for protection. The bigger our faith in God, the bigger our shield.  When we make God big, His presence before us is larger and shields more of us. For we walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV) When we focus on our circumstances, our faith shrinks, and our shields grow smaller.  Personally, I know I need the biggest shield possible to block the fiery darts of the enemy.

Our faith in God is solid because He keeps His promises. The same way our bodies atrophy if we don't exercise, faith atrophies if we don't use it. We grow our faith by finding verses to apply in our struggles. I challenge you to read through God's Word and discover Scriptures that address your needs.  Memorize them so they are part of your arsenal to build to your shield of faith. If you lack faith, ask God for more, and look for ways He is shielding you in your storm.

• What are some verses that have helped grow your faith?
• What are some ways your faith has shielded you?

This podcast discusses Lesson One of "The Whole Armor of God" Bible study on spiritual warfare.  This lesson covers an overview of spiritual warfare, lists several types of spiritual weapons, and explains how to use them.  Most of the scriptures referenced are included in the Bible study, which will be published soon.

For those who know me, you know how exciting it is that God is helping me podcast.  When the ladies in my Bible study agreed to be the test case last year, they encouraged me to podcast to supplement the lessons.  They said the lessons were great, but what I said enhanced the learning experience because as the author, I knew the points I wanted to emphasize.  Honestly, I disregarded them at first, thinking they were either flattering me or trying to make my life difficult since I am not technically savvy.  One night we had a guest, and when I mentioned podcasting, she agreed heartily.  Hearing it from someone outside my normal circle of friends let me know God wanted me to pursue podcasting. 

Fast forward ten months, and my first podcast is ready.  It has been a battle mentally and technologically, but it adds to the beauty because I know it was God and not me that got this done.  Praise the Lord for His great grace towards me. I pray this blesses you, and that God speaks to you as the listener to understand spiritual warfare and how to fight.