FINALLY, BE STRONG

• DAY 365
• FEAR FILE: YOU & I
• SCRIPTURES: EPHESIAN 6:10-12

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

As we come to the conclusion of this devotional for this year, we cannot forget everything we have talked about from the beginning. It has been a whole year of daily choosing faith and courage over fear, doubt, and unbelief. So this scripture is very important to remember because fear will always tempt us and the only way we’re going to continue to overcome it is to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 

When we read our key scripture for this devotional, which is 2 Timothy 1:7, we find power there – the spirit of power. We know that what we are dealing with here is a spirit, fear is not a natural fight. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood,” Based on that scripture, we can safely say that no opposition or struggle we encounter as believers is natural. It is all spiritually rooted and we will do well to remember that we don’t war against spirits with psychological ideologies or physical weapons – we war in the spirit, with weapons of the spirit. 

And as you read further down in that chapter, you find these weapons.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” — Ephesians 6:13-18

Truth, righteousness, sharing the gospel, faith, the word of God, prayer, and community. We often skip the community part. But we see it right there –praying for all the saints. So, right there in our armor, we have an unselfish heart that looks after the well-being of all believers. Your armor is not complete without it.

However, to wear this armor you need Strength. The word strength also means courage. Take up courage in God. Strength comes when we know God. So, spend time in the Lord. Spend time in prayer. Spend time fellowshiping with the Lord. Be strong in the Lord.

Shalom.