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“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).
Hell doesn’t waste ammo on the sidelines. The enemy of our souls slings plenty of flaming darts, and those arrows at times can be quite intimidating. If the enemy’s aiming at you, it’s because God’s kingdom is advancing through you. The closer you walk with Jesus, the bigger the target you become — and the more Satan schemes to stop you. When that light shines before others, when God’s goodness and Christ’s love are seen flowing out of you, and when His grace is shown to be fruitful for His kingdom, that is when Satan will strike directly at you. It is in these times, in all circumstances, we are called to rely on that shield of faith.
And let’s be honest: Satan has ammo. We all have filth and muck in our lives. We’ve all stumbled, all fallen short, all carried baggage we wish we could hide. The enemy loves to drag that garbage into the light and use it as a weapon against us. It is as a certain German reformer once wrote, that “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Martin Luther knew that “The old evil foe, now means deadly woe; deep guile and great might are his dread arms in fight…” That cunning guile will plant seeds of suspicion in the minds of others. He knows how to make lies sound like truth and truth sound like lies. With great might, Satan will try to isolate you, wear you down, and make you doubt the very calling God placed on your life.
Left to your own power, there is nothing you can do to stop it; of your own ability, it is a losing battle from the very beginning (Ephesians 6:12). But you are not alone — you are never alone; the battle is never just yours to bear. There is One who fights more valiantly than the enemy of your soul (2 Chronicles 20:17). Our God is not just a lover of His children, He is a fighter for them (Exodus 15:2-3). This truth is something Luther realized throughout his life, especially in the battles. “With might of ours can naught be done, soon were our loss effected; but for us fights the valiant One, whom God Himself elected. Ask ye, who is this? Jesus Christ it is…”
When the arrows fly and fly at you, rely on that faith in Christ. Here’s the truth: Satan, the world, and even your own flesh — despite the enemy’s best efforts — do not get the final word; no, that is reserved for that Word made flesh, Christ Jesus our Lord. “This world’s prince may still scowl fierce as he will, he can harm us none. He’s judged; the deed is done; one little word can fell him.”
The devil will go after the things that you hold dearest: health, material items, reputation, and people. “And take they our life, goods, fame, child, and wife…” This is the darkness of the enemy. But Christ comes shining forth with the brilliance of God’s grace and calls you into a life of expanding His kingdom (Ephesians 2:8-10). He is your mighty fortress. That is why you are called to be still and lie at the feet of Christ. Guard those still moments — still spaces — like a fortress. They are not luxuries; they are battle stations. Still spaces are where you step out of the chaos and into God’s presence.
Don’t let the target on your back or Satan’s flaming darts pull you away from what God can do through you — from the people God has given you, from the impact for the kingdom that can be accomplished by you — no matter what the devil tries to do to thwart that. Christ’s call to let your light shine reminds you that you don’t need a fancy degree, perfect qualifications, or a sinless past to serve for His glory; just look at the disciples! True kingdom work doesn’t come from a résumé — it comes from the Spirit of God working through broken sinners with a willing heart.
By being a child of God, it is a fact that sometimes Satan targets you and aims at you. As one redeemed by Christ, you do have a target on your back. But don’t let the world, Satan, or your flesh scare you with that aim. Remember, you were first targeted by God’s grace and His Son’s steadfast love. United with him, you are stronger than the attacks, called by the One who is greater than the enemy.
The devil knows when you’re most vulnerable and when you are most dangerous to his schemes (Ephesians 6:10-11). Don’t give him an inch. Lean into God; let His light shine on you, permeate in you, and flow through you. Pray and know you are protected.
So that when the arrows fly — and they will — you don’t retreat but rest in Him, in the still spaces, and then live to see how the light of Christ can shine. Know that you are not alone. You are not inadequate. You are not defenseless. Christ is your shield, your refuge, your fortress. And when the darkness presses in, rely on the Lord who fights for you. This day and every day, His strong Word still cleaves the darkness. Though the enemy’s aim may be sharp, God’s protection is unbreakable, and ultimately, “Our vict’ry has been won; the Kingdom ours remainth.”
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