“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10, ESV). These words from the Apostle Paul are often quoted to encourage believers during trials. Yet, how often do we gloss over this verse, treating it as a comforting statement without fully comprehending its profound implications? If we are honest, sometimes we attempt to share this verse with others without truly experiencing its power in our own lives. But this command carries much more depth than a mere well-meaning sentiment.
Paul’s exhortation is not simply about mustering up our own courage or strength. Instead, it is an invitation to live in the “strength of God.” To fully grasp what it means to be strong in the Lord, we must explore the “biblical foundation” of divine strength and how believers are called to embrace it in their daily walk.
Understanding Divine Strength #
The Greek word for “be strong” in Ephesians 6:10 is endunamoo, which means to be empowered or made strong. It is a passive imperative verb, indicating that this strength is not self-generated but rather received. It reflects the concept that God is the source of our strength, and it is only through His might that we can overcome spiritual battles. This aligns with other passages, such as Isaiah 40:29-31, where we are reminded that God “gives power to the faint” and that “those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”
In a world that glorifies self-reliance, Ephesians 6:10 calls believers to acknowledge their dependence on God. It is not through human effort, but through the power of the Holy Spirit that we find the strength to withstand trials and temptations (Zechariah 4:6). Therefore, Paul’s exhortation is both a call to humility and a declaration of the power available to us through Christ.
How Do We Draw from God’s Strength? #
The key question we must ask is, How do I go about any task using the Lord’s strength?” Paul gives us more than just an encouragement; he provides a spiritual strategy that is deeply rooted in our relationship with God. The answer lies in fellowship with God and the cultivation of spiritual disciplines.
1. Abiding in God’s Presence #
The strength of the Lord is made accessible to those who remain in close fellowship with Him. Psalm 91:1-2 assures us that those who dwell in the “shelter of the Most High” will find rest and strength. When we make it a priority to spend time in prayer and meditation on Scripture, we become more aware of God’s strength that sustains us. This is echoed in John 15:4-5, where Jesus invites us to “abide” in Him, for apart from Him, we can do nothing.
2. Embracing Our Weaknesses #
The paradox of Christian strength is that it is perfected in our weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul testifies that God’s power is made perfect in his weakness. When we acknowledge our own limitations, it opens the door for God’s power to be magnified in our lives. As believers, we are called to surrender our struggles to God and trust in His ability to work through them, rather than relying on our limited resources.
3. Trusting in God’s Guidance and Peace #
To operate in God’s strength, we must trust His guidance and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). This involves actively listening for the Holy Spirit’s direction and embracing the peace that God offers in every situation (Philippians 4:6-7). The joy, peace, and love we experience in our hearts serve as affirmations of God’s strength operating within us.
4. Walking in the Power of His Spirit #
Ultimately, Ephesians 6:10 is a call to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are not left to fight our spiritual battles alone. Paul continues in Ephesians 6:11-18 by describing the armor of God, which symbolizes the resources available to us in Christ to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that we are equipped with the divine strength necessary to face any challenge.
Conclusion: Living in the Lord’s Strength #
The power to live victoriously as Christians does not come from within ourselves but from God. By abiding in Him, embracing our weaknesses, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we find that His strength is made manifest in our lives. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, God is able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”
Let us, therefore, take Paul’s exhortation to heart: “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” This is not just a call to endure but a call to thrive, empowered by the infinite resources of our Heavenly Father.
Summary #
- What does it mean to be strong in the Lord?
It means drawing strength from God through a close relationship with Him and relying on His power rather than our own abilities. - How can I experience God’s strength in my daily life?
By spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and depending on the Holy Spirit, you can experience the strength that comes from God. - Why does God allow weaknesses in our lives?
God uses our weaknesses to demonstrate His power, teaching us to rely on Him. As Paul learned, God’s grace is sufficient in all circumstances (2 Corinthians 12:9). - What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering believers?
The Holy Spirit provides wisdom, strength, and guidance, enabling believers to overcome challenges and live according to God’s will (Acts 1:8). - How do I put on the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6?
Putting on the armor of God involves prayer, faith, righteousness, the Word of God, and readiness to proclaim the gospel. It is a spiritual discipline to prepare us for daily battles against spiritual forces.
