Faith isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice. Learn how the shield of faith protects your heart and mind against doubt, fear, and spiritual attacks with contributor Julie-Ann Destine.
When Faith Feels Shaky
I was sitting on a bench outside during my lunch break when a message popped up on my screen:
“Faith isn’t feelings, it’s a choice!”
Those words came from my mentor, Tarah-Lynn (who many of you know as the founder of Adorned in Armor) right when I was in the middle of a crisis of faith. My world felt shaky. I kept going back and forth—remembering moments when I knew God was real, but then doubting Him because of what I was seeing in the present. I questioned my identity in Christ. I wondered, Am I really loved? Am I really valued?
During that season, God kept sending little subtle reassurances that I was chosen, valued, and loved. But I struggled to receive them. I thought God was frustrated with me, maybe even angry, when in reality He was being patient and gentle.
Choosing Faith over Feelings
Shame and perfectionism were also heavy on me. Thoughts like, “How could I go through a faith crisis? I’m supposed to be strong in my faith!” made me feel like I had failed. I believed my relationship with God depended on me doing everything right. But Romans 3:23 reminded me, “We all fall short of the glory of God.” Perfection isn’t possible, but God’s forgiveness and grace are bigger than our failures.
In that moment, I had a choice: I could cling to shame or I could step forward in faith and receive God’s forgiveness. That’s when Tarah-Lynn’s words clicked—faith isn’t a feeling; it’s a choice. I didn’t feel anything at first, but as I chose to trust God, doubt slowly lost its grip. Over time, I realized something beautiful: God doesn’t just love me. He actually likes me.
Understanding Spiritual Warfare
Friend, the truth is, we are in a battle. Satan wants to plant seeds of doubt in our hearts, and if we water them, they grow into shame, fear, and confusion. He tried to attack the very foundation of my faith: the truth that nothing can separate me from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39).
It was exhausting. I felt fake—serving in church, teaching Sunday school, putting on a strong front while struggling inside. But faith isn’t about appearances. It’s a fight—a holy, divine battle between good and evil.
There’s a hymn from the Chants D’Esperance (the Haitian hymnal of hope) that says:
Il est une sainte guerre,
Il est un combat divin,
Entre le ciel et la terre,
Entre le mal et le bien.
Translation: There is a holy war, a divine battle, between heaven and earth, between evil and good.
Ephesians 6 reminds us that this war is spiritual. That’s why God gives us the armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and the shield of faith.
The Shield of Faith in Ephesians 6
The shield of faith is defensive. It protects our most vulnerable areas—especially our hearts—against the fiery darts of doubt, fear, and lies. Without it, we’re exposed. With it, we can withstand even the fiercest attacks.
Taking up the shield of faith for me meant:
- Reading the Word. Let Scripture rebuild your faith. Psalms is a great place to start.
- Declaring the Word. Speak God’s promises aloud. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
- Praying honestly. Pour out your struggles before God and ask Him to strengthen you.
- Leaning on community. Don’t fight alone. Let trusted friends remind you of truth.
- Remembering testimonies. Journal how God has shown up in your past. Those reminders help you see that what He’s done before, He can do again.
- Studying biblical stories. See how God has come through for His people in impossible situations.
Faith isn’t passive. It’s a choice to raise your shield when the fiery darts fly. It’s trusting that God honors even mustard-seed-sized faith right where you are.
Faith Crises Don’t Define You
Beloved, faith crises happen. They’re not the end of your story. Philippians 1:6 promises, “He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.” That means your shaky seasons don’t disqualify you—God is still working.
So I’ll ask you what I had to ask myself: Are you going to walk around defenseless, letting doubt and shame win? My answer now is clear: absolutely not.
Sis, no more picking and choosing which piece of armor to wear. It’s time to put on the whole armor of God. The battle may be fierce, but the victory is already secured. Let’s do our part and armor up.
This article is a part of the Armor of God Series. Warrior woman, you don’t have to fight defenseless. Suit up with the strength the Lord provides! You’ll be equipped, encouraged, and empowered to put on the full armor of God. Then join us in person for even more powerful stories, community, and empowerment at the Adorned in Armor™ Serve Social! Together, we’re suiting up for victory, in faith and in fashion.
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