“…be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.”
Ephesians 6:10 AMP
Grace Perspective:
This passage begins Paul’s admonition to put on the whole armor of God. Paul is not referring to the self-sufficient power of gritting our teeth, straightening our spine, and telling ourselves, “You’ve got this!” Instead, this strength is a gift of God’s grace, a comforting assurance that we are not alone in our battles. He wants us to know how to be fully covered with the armor of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, prepared to share the gospel of peace, holding our shield of faith, protecting our minds with the helmet of salvation, and ready with the sword of the Spirit so we can combat the enemies we will face as followers of Christ.
This gracious strength enables us to endure trials and stand firm in our faith, even through the most difficult times. Paul wants us to be prepared because he knows, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.” Ephesians 6:12 AMP
The key is to draw our strength from God, not as a distant figure, but as a loving Father who is intimately involved in our lives. When we are a child of God, chosen by Him, loved by Him, and favored by Him, we can rest assured that He will strengthen us for whatever battle we face.
A Touch of Grace:
What battle are you facing today?
How do you draw strength from God?
Grace Application:
This passage serves as a powerful reminder that we must lean on God for strength and trust Him in the face of our enemy’s tactics. Just as a soldier dons body armor before entering battle, we must prepare each day for the skirmishes or major battles we may encounter. In Him, we find our strength, but apart from Him, we are more likely to fall prey to the enemy’s schemes.
Think of a time when you faced a battle, perhaps with doubt, fear, or anxiety. What was it like? Where did you turn for strength? As I think of a specific time when fear threatened to overwhelm me, I remember thinking, “Lord, if you don’t do something, I’m not going to make it!” I lay on the floor, spent from crying, struggling with the circumstances that brought me to a place of great discouragement. I cried out to God, and He gently reminded me of the truth in Scripture and turned my mind from the “what ifs” to what is true. I remembered that in drawing close to Him, I find strength. I drew strength from His promise to never leave me and that His steadfast love endures forever.
Each day, we need to remember to draw our strength from God. Turn to Him when weak and wear the full armor He provides. Remember Who He Is! Almighty God, the One who sees, hears, knows, and loves you right where you are. Draw from His strength and trust that you will find what you need daily through His might. And never forget His promises, for they are the source of our hope and encouragement.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful for Your gracious strength. This strength is found when I draw close to You. Forgive me for when I choose to be self-reliant instead of trusting You to strengthen me. Holy Spirit quickly reminds me when pride rears up and tells me I am self-sufficient. Lord, help me see my weakness as an opportunity to trust You more deeply, knowing I draw strength in You. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**