Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one…. The shield of faith is obviously very important . Paul says “Above all” when talking about taking the shield of faith. A shield talks of protection. Faith talks of knowing, and believing God, and knowing His direction for us. For example if God was to say to you “Move to a certain town”, then that is just what He would expect you to do. Almost without doubt someone, or perhaps even several people might come and say to you “Don’t be silly, God doesn’t want you to do that!”. The fact that you KNOW what God told you to do protects you from the doubt and hurt (fiery darts) that would otherwise sway you. There are two main aspects of faith. One is simply knowing that God is, and that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
The other side of faith comes and develops as we spend time with our Lord. It is knowing Him on a personal basis each day and being led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that He does nothing unless He sees His Father do it first. John 5:19. So it should be for us, having first spent time with our Lord in fellowship, to be prepared for what lies ahead in each day. Walking in faith simply means walking in obedience, not only to what we know is right behaviour, but also as led by the Holy Spirit.:
Persecution Live 