Ephesians 6.16

The shield of faith. Paul says that this particular accoutrement is to be worn 'over all'. It is faith which covers the chinks in the rest of the armour. Without it we cannot please God. Hebrews 11.6. We cannot stand and fight for him if we do not trust him. We are those who claim that the invisible has more clout than the visible. 2 Corinthians 4.18. We are blessed precisely because we do not see but keep believing. John 20.29. We press on in certainty that the unseen God is everything he says he is. Hebrews 11.1.  We do not shrink back (Hebrews 10.35-39), even though to the world, and on many days to us, our faith seems futile, our lives seen wasted away. 2 Corinthians 4.16.
And here Satan strikes. His weapon is pointed, precise, sudden, launched out of nowhere when we least expect it. The flaming tips which embed themselves in any exposed flesh and stick deep. A fire which starts small and spreads and spreads. James 3.5. A sin that starts as thought but becomes deadly deed. James 1.15. A niggling doubt that poisons the veins. The devil knows where our weak spots are. Where have we left ourselves open to attack?
And, oh, but my faith is so puny, so insignificant, so faltering. My arms are so weak that I can barely lift up my shield this morning. Take heart, says my commander. Take heart. John 16.33. A mustard seed is enough. Luke 17.6. I am praying for you. Luke 22.32. John 17.17. Hebrews 7.25.Romans 8.34.