God's Perfect Fire Extinguisher

"We beat the heat by heading indoors for air conditioning. We beat Satan by heading inside God’s heart.” – Bob Williamson

Like much of the South, Vero Beach FL has been experiencing some extreme heat this summer. Daytime highs have been in the low to mid 90s and the heat indexes have soared well above 100.

At my age, the heat really doesn’t affect me because I’d rather be hot than cold. On the contrary, it was the bone-chilling and damp winters in New Jersey that I didn’t care for very much. That being said, I can assure you that – like most of my fellow Floridians – I spend most of my time inside an air-conditioned home or building.

Why drip with sweat 24/7 when you can relax in air-conditioned comfort, right?

The point that Bob Williamson is making in today’s quote is that if 100-degree temperatures drive us indoors for protection from the heat and humidity, shouldn’t Satan’s fiery darts drive us closer to God? Only a fool would try to resist Satan’s diabolical attacks in their own strength. That is why Paul encourages us to “Put on the whole armor of God” in Ephesians 6:11.

The spiritual armor that God provides is mostly defensive in nature. For instance, the breastplate of righteousness protects our vital “spiritual organs” and the helmet of salvation does the same for our mind. And, of course, the shield of faith is used to quench those aforementioned fiery darts that Satan lobs in our direction.

The only offensive weapon in our arsenal is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Just like Jesus did when He was tempted in the wilderness, the best way to deflect Satan’s attacks is to rely on Scripture, God’s perfect “fire extinguisher.”

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President