IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10

In today’s text, Paul encourages the Ephesians to be strong in the Lord. Paul understood that they are fighting powers and principalities. These are powerful demonic forces that cannot be easily pushed aside. He knew that spiritual strength was necessary for the Ephesians to tear down the spiritual strongholds of the enemy. Therefore, he exhorts the Ephesians to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

The first part of the verse requires something from the Ephesians. Like a soldier in an army, the Ephesians needed to take the initiative to strengthen themselves. In the US military, before a soldier is fully embedded within a unit, he or she has to go through basic training. “One great purpose for basic training is to build up the recruit’s physical strength. It is as if the army says, “Soldier, we are going to give you the best weapons and armor possible. However, first, we have to make sure that you are strong and that you can use what we give you.”

In Act 1:8, Jesus told the disciples they would receive dynamite power to do the work of ministry. Christians have to be strong to utilize their God-given power effectively. Too many Christians are living in fear because they lack spiritual strength. Some people are allowing the enemy to take away their blessings, or destroy their families, or lead them into a life of despair because they are not strong enough to rebuke him.

It takes divine spiritual strength to resist the enemy. He is a formidable foe. His demons are also powerful. However, greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Paul did not want the Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God if they were not strong enough to wear them. The armor of Roman soldiers was very heavy. Historians tell us the armor of a Roman soldier weighed upwards of 44 pounds. To add to that weight, they had a “Scarina” (backpack), which contained rations and any other tools needed.

It takes a strong Christian to worship when they are going through pain and suffering. The believer that is not strong will crumble when he or she is afflicted with diseases, or goes through financial hardships, or experience the death of a loved one. We need the strength to stand with dignity and integrity when our reputation is maligned, or when we experience any form of injustice.

The second part of that verse is that we find strength in the power of God’s might. Our strength does not originate from us. Our strength comes from God’s omnipotence. Thus, Paul told the church in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I want to encourage you today to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Stop allowing the enemy to scare you. Remember, you are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37). You are not a victim, but a victor. Therefore, live with joy, face your enemies or challenges with confidence, and do not grow weary in doing good. You are an overcomer. So be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

Prayer- Blessed Lord, strengthen my brothers and sisters that are crumbling under the cares of this world. Draw them closer to thee so they can find strength in you to defeat the enemy in the name of Jesus.