Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. – Ephesians 6:10
Have you ever gone through a gym and had a very muscular man or woman walk past you? Their well-chiseled physique is an indicator of how much time they have dedicated to exercising! But all muscles, regardless of their appearance, need to be used to continue functioning. In fact, you have spiritual muscles from God that are useless if you do not exercise them.
Before concluding his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul encouraged the believers in today’s verse to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Just as a person will never build muscle by talking about working out, you will not experience God’s strength and might in your life by simply talking about it. Neither can you experience God’s strength by trying to do His work in your own power. Trusting and relying on the Lord must come first. Then, His might will strengthen you as you do the work to which He has called you. As you learn to depend entirely on Him, you will increasingly receive God’s strength.
This spiritual exercise requires humility, as you accept and admit that you cannot do it without Him and learn to rely on the Lord. This can be especially difficult for Americans, as the culture generally values self-reliance and working as hard as possible to achieve and accomplish goals. As you spend time in prayer, ask God to lead you in the path of reliance on His strength as you fulfill His call on your life. Pray as well for the Lord to draw those in positions of authority in the U.S. government to Him, that they would trust and depend on Him to do what they never 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.
