Draw Your Strength from the Lord

Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

          At times like this, our life can feel like it is rapidly unravelling, and it can seem like nothing is certain anymore. The truth is, our world has always been an insecure and unsafe place, but it has recently highlighted that fact by showing us its’ true colours. When things are going well, it is easy to be lulled into complacency, forgetting that life on Earth is fragile and can change very quickly. We should remember, however, that conflict is not a new thing. Right from the outset, in the garden of Eden, the serpent has been an aggressive enemy, looking for strategic opportunities to strike at the heel of mankind.

          The Ephesians were no different than us, they too faced tremendous opposition and challenges. Paul, himself, was a battle-seasoned warrior, who understood only too well, the fight of faith, in fact, he wrote this letter chained within a cold, dark prison cell. Like a general preparing his troops for war, he lays out in writing God’s strategy of warfare. Be strong. Don’t try to be strong, just be strong. This is not a suggestion; it is a command. Be strong. Strength is the solution to a lot of problems. If we are strong enough, we can face anything, endure all things, and overcome everything. Be strong, but don’t simply muster up strength; don’t be strong in yourselves; be strong in the Lord.

          We are commanded to be strong in the Lord and our Father would never command us to do something impossible. No intelligent parent would demand that their young child do something beyond their capability, that would be unfair and unjust. God commands, but within the command itself is the power to do it. The Word of God has self-fulfilling power. When God says, ‘Be strong’, we must simply receive the power to be what He has commanded. If the Lord Jesus stood in front of you and said, ‘Be healed’, you would not try to heal yourself, you would simply receive the power to be healed. He commanded it and He will provide what is necessary for it to be fulfilled.

          The great secret to the Christian life is realizing our union with Christ. He has united us and made us one with Him. Be strong in union with the Lord. Whatever we merge with transfers its’ strength into us. If a small company merges with a big corporation, the small company ceases to be small and takes on the strength of the large organization. I am united to the strongest being in the universe. My spirit has been submerged into His. I have His strength and power; therefore, I can stand strong and face all situations bravely. It is not my strength; it is His strength that he imparts to me. This kind of strength comes from a Spirit-given revelation of my union with Christ. Paul began his letter by asking God to open the eyes of their heart, so they could see what God sees. If we can see what the Lord sees, strength will result. There is a way through, we just have to see it. Yes, Lord, open our eyes to the availability of your strength and the method of access to it.