September 12

Strong in the Lord

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

Most of us like to be in control, or at least we like to think we are in control of our lives. When adversity falls upon us, we attempt to pick ourselves up and get back into the battle, only to fall again. This is the inevitable result of doing things in our own strength: we are setting ourselves up for failure. Each of us knows the futility of attempting things in our own strength, and yet we do it over and over again. In Ephesians, Paul wants the church to know that they do not have to go into battle alone, in their own strength. He gives them to keys to victory: "Be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power!" His strength is supernatural strength and his power is MIGHTY! Why would we wish to enter any battle without him? The apostle Paul goes on to tell us how we can attain this power: by putting on the whole armor of God! It is only by being properly equipped for battle that we can stand. The Lord desires for us to take hold of the promises he has given us in his Word, so we can use his strength to see us through any trial that life might bring. He wants us to come to him with all of our weaknesses and frailties. He wants to be our strength when our strength is gone. We do not need to go forth into battle in our own strength when he is standing by, waiting to exchange our strength for his and give us victory!

Precious Father, thank you for the promise that you will exchange our strength for yours. May your mighty power work through us that all the glory might be yours. Father, forgive us for the times we have tried to go forth in our own strength and failed you. Help us to set aside our earthly pride and our need to control and submit ourselves wholly to you. Father, give us victory in you! Amen