Ephesians 6:10 – 11 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
I love that word, finally. In school, it signifies that the instructor is wrapping up his lecture, and he’s about to give us the most important point. It lets us know that we are close to the end. It prompts us to listen up, for what is about to be said is essential – perhaps the most essential.
Paul has covered a lot of ground in Ephesians. He has given instruction in both the spiritual and the practical. Now, at the climactic end of his letter, he delves into perhaps the most significant thing we can know as Christians: the Christian life is not an easy life. It is a battlefield. But God has provided everything we need to be strong, and to fight successfully.
Notice, he didn’t just tell us to be strong. Honestly, at my very strongest, I could never be a match for Satan himself. But I don’t have to be strong in myself. I can be strong in the Lord! I can draw on the very might and power of God, as I face the battles of this life.
God has not left us to fend for ourselves. Yes, life is hard. Yes, Satan will come up with all sorts of schemes to try and knock us down. But God has provided us with armor, with weapons, with everything a warrior needs to come out of a battle victoriously.
Friends, God has given you armor. Wear it! He has given you access to His strength and power and might. Use it! When we don’t use what the Lord has provided for us, Satan knocks us down and laughs in our faces. But the armor of God allows us to stand against Satan, and to win!
Dear Father, Thank You for providing me with everything I need to live a victorious life. Please help me to take advantage of what You have provided.
Amen
I’m so glad we have that armor because I’m pretty sure a five-year-old girl could arm-wrestle me and win.
You and me both, Alyssa!
My friend always says ‘We are not passengers on a luxury liner, we are trekkers over rough ground’!
And I think we’re coming up to one of your favourite passages?
Your friend is very wise. And yes, how kind of you to remember! I love this passage, and recall it often in my daily life.
Great to see you back, my friend!
–r
.
Thanks for reminding me that I am not in this battle of life alone. When I was only a gleam in my mother’s eye God had already prepared for my strength and protection. And thanks to motl, I will remember that I am a trekker over rough ground, especially when the going gets tough. I think I am prone to whine when I THINK I should be on a luxury liner!!!
Great thoughts, Mom! We all forget that it is SUPPOSED to be hard at times. Jesus said, “In this life you will have many troubles, but do not be dismayed. I have overcome the world.”
xx