Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10
Phillips Brooks, beloved American clergyman and author (1835-1893), has reminded us of the greater prayer:
“Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be a miracle. Every day you shall wonder at the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God.”
How often we pray for the circumstance to change before we pray that we would change. But, within that particular petition there should perhaps be a more focused prayer that God would make us stronger for our present journey and present duties than praying that he would make the way easier.
In a concluding message of Paul’s correspondence with the Ephesian Church, he reminded the followers of Jesus to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Because of the seemingly abrupt change from the previous topic of chapter 6 to this verse, the message emphasizes supernatural strength for all aforementioned instructions. After Paul delivered precepts concerning personal and relational duties (Ephesians 5:1-6:9), he offered the one strength that will uphold all such endeavors of Christian commitment: be strong in the Lord. We cannot live obediently without God’s supernatural empowerment. We cannot constantly and accurately determine right from wrong without God’s supernatural resources. We cannot rightly embrace our devotions and commitments of the home without God’s power enabling us. We cannot endure challenges and uncertainties of life without God’s strong hand. Therefore, may we daily seek and rely upon God’s strength and power.
The most significant element in this call to be strong exists in the core message, “in the Lord.” This phrase, or its close equivalent, is found 35 times in the Ephesian letter, reminding the church that the secret of spiritual strength comes only from union with Christ. A spiritual vitality that defies present circumstances becomes our reality when living in fellowship with Jesus Christ our Lord. Mankind has often touted self-reliance and self-made success. There are many who have become convinced that human effort, strength, and ingenuity are all one needs. But, when unforeseen challenges in life come against you, that picture changes. In the trenches of life’s greatest tests, how necessary it becomes to depend upon a strength much greater than our own. Walking daily by faith in fellowship with Jesus, strengthens you far beyond what you could ever imagine. The Good News Translation offers this interpretation: “Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of His mighty power.” Allow this present moment to remind you of the necessity to walk close with your Savior.
May we daily pray for renewed strength while we walk moment by moment in faith. The Christian life described in God’s Word dismisses our self-reliance and focuses our energy, priorities, passions, and pursuits upon a personal relationship with Jesus. Are you there? Are you walking daily with Him? Are you daily admitting your full dependence upon the Savior of your soul, or are you still trying to do it yourself?
So today, pray for God to strengthen you beyond what you could ever imagine. Ask God to unveil His might (referencing His nature) and His power (referencing the outcome of His nature) into your life. He is mighty. And He will uphold you powerfully with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Trust Him. Ask Him to strengthen you at this very moment. And begin this day with renewed strength. His strength. You are an overcomer!
Blessings,
Ken
