“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
Dear Ones:
In a football game, generally there are not a great deal of “great” plays. It is a game of wit, strategy, talent and strength. Most of what occurs in that game is in the play after play discipline of competing with the opponent. And though there are twenty-two men on the field playing, most of the performance of those men goes unperceived to the crowd. It is primarily when there is a “break away” moment that the crowd rises to its feet, and the distinction of what we consider “greatness” is recognized, and acknowledged. In this race, which we call Christianity, there are many running. And most of what transpires in the race is not a “break away” moment, but the steady pursuit of the objective. It is THERE, in the mundane, in the steady plodding, where the strength and power of God are just as relevant and pertinent, as in the “break away” moment. The epistle to the Ephesians is a letter written from prison, a prison in Rome. Here is Paul, certainly not perceiving the “break away” moment, this monumental moment, when the Spirit of God is giving him a letter that will be for the blessing of millions of believers for over two thousand years now. Here is a man who is running a race, steadily plodding, trusting in the power of Christ, just to write a letter. Why does he need actual power in this “hidden” moment? Because his circumstances cry out against his faith, and belief that God is above and beyond his little world. Here is a man who is choosing to live in the realm of the “all-sufficient” Christ for every need, whose “…strength is made perfect in weakness.”
In our consideration of being strong in the power of the Lord, we always have to come back to the issue of “How?” Since we are called upon to live by faith, we need to keep ever before us that the God who created us, is the God who maintains, keeps, and strengthens us. “He gives power to the faint.” (Is. 40:29) The second thing we need to become persuaded of is that, not only does He desire to strengthen us (“…pour the power into us when we need it.”), but He is committed to do so in answer to faith. This is why Paul reveals to us that prayer is essential for appropriating the strength, and power of Christ. One of Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians is: “…that He (God) would grant you to be strengthened WITH MIGHT by His Spirit in the inner man.” (Eph. 3:16) Perhaps the last, and yet, most important truth that we must grasp with regard to this issue of strength, and power, is that of our union with Christ. The Father put us “IN CHRIST,” so that, in this living union with Him, we should learn to derive all from Him by the inward aspiration of faith.
Paul’s command to the believers in Ephesus was based on what God desired to be to them, in the day-to-day tasks of living, as well as in the “break away” moment, and circumstance. The same power is needed. The command to “…be strong in the Lord,” was a call to faith in the faithfulness of God to provide, the God who has promised to show forth His sufficiency in every circumstance.
Dear Father, save us from thinking that You are only the God of the “break away” moment. Give us to see that Your power and strength are just as needful in the day-to-day needs, and tasks, if we would truly live a life that is honoring to Thee. Enable us this day to BE strong in the Lord, and in the POWER of Thy might, in all that we do and say, whether it be in the small or great thing. We thank Thee for Thy presence and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad