Be strong in the Lord
Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV) “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
The word translated “be strong” here actually means “be strengthened”. “Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power.”
Only when our lives are positioned in the Lord, we possess the appropriate power to overcome the enemy.
John 15:4–5 (ESV) “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can nothing”
Our strength comes from recognising our dependence on God.
Philippians 4:13 (CSB) “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Throughout the Bible, God delights in demonstrating His power in situations where human strength is lacking.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV) “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong”
2 Corinthians 13:4 (CSB) “For he was crucified in weakness, but he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by God’s power.”
Psalm 18:32 (NKJV) It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.”
The world tells us to, “be strong” and “only the strong survive.” Yet the Bible tells us, “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”
Psalm 84:5 (NKJV) “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.”
Psalm 147:5 (NLT) “How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!”
The only power we have in battle is to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.