By Pamela Rose Williams
Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
When you read this verse from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, it sounds like he is wrapping it up, closing the letter. But the truth of the matter is that he is just getting started. His conclusion does not really begin until verse 19.
So then, if he is not presenting a conclusion, what is he saying? Be strong in the Lord! I believe Paul is encouraging us to count on the Lord when we are faced with battles that seem to be impossible to overcome. If fact, when we read on, Paul even gives us some great advice on “how” we can “be strong in the Lord”. He speaks of the armour that is needed to stand against spiritual darkness.
You see, it is true that we are saved from certain death by faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross at Calvary. Even so, in this present world our flesh still battles against “spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). Paul encourages us to stand strong with the breastplate of righteousness. He incites us to remember that we should also be prepared with the gospel of peace, and that faith is our shield which protects us from all of Satan’s fiery darts. The word picture continues as he speaks of the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.
And this is not to forget that prayer is also an essential part of our armour as we stand strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:18-20). Perhaps my favorite part of Ephesians 6 comes when Paul asks the church to pray for him — that when he opens his mouth that he might speak boldly the mystery of the gospel. Even this man, the one whom was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write thirteen (or maybe fourteen if we count Hebrews) books of the Bible, knows how important prayer is. He knows that his strength was in the Lord and that he needed the saints to pray so that he would remain strong to make known the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Are you using all of the tools and weapons that God has given to the believer to keep Satan at bay? Do you know that you have what it takes to “Be Strong”? How is your prayer life? Do you find yourself praying for others more than praying for yourself?
When we are in Christ, we have everything we need to “Be Strong” in the Lord. Sometimes we just need to remember that we cannot be strong without Him. How wonderful is it that we have a Mighty Savior? Selah!
