Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. – Ephesians 6:10
Have you ever walked through a gym and had a very muscular man or woman walk past you? The sight of their large muscles indicates the capacity of their physical strength. However, all muscles are useless if they are never used. In the same way, you have spiritual muscles from God that are useless if you do not exercise on them.
Before concluding his letter to the Ephesian church, Paul encouraged the believers there to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). Just as a person cannot build muscles by talking about working out, you are unable to experience God’s strength and might in your life by simply talking about it. On the other hand, you will not experience God’s strength by trying to do work under your own power. It is only through relying on God first, and then doing the work, that His might will strengthen you. And as you increasingly learn to rely on Him, God’s strength in you will also grow.
This requires humility, as you must admit that you cannot do it all and learn to depend on the Lord. This can be especially difficult for Americans, as the culture places a value on self-reliance and working as hard as possible to gain achievements. As you spend time in prayer, ask God to show you how to walk the challenging path of relying on His strength while doing the work He has called you to. As you pray, also ask God to draw those in positions of authority in the U.S. government to Him, that they would trust and depend on Him to do more than they ever could on their own.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 4:4-9, 11-13
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
