Be Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might

Be Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might

The phrase “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10) speaks to the foundation of Christian faith, which is rooted in God’s strength and power, rather than our own.

This directive calls believers to rely on God’s mighty power and not on their human strength.

This powerful message of encouragement addresses the need for spiritual fortitude, resilience, and unwavering trust in God’s ability to sustain and empower us in all circumstances.

In this article, we will explore what it means to be strong in the Lord, the sources of strength available to us through Him, and the factors that can weaken our spiritual strength.

We will also draw on numerous Bible verses to emphasize the promises and assurances of God’s strength for believers.

Understanding Spiritual Strength in the Lord

The Bible teaches us that strength, true strength, is found in the Lord.

This strength is not a physical or worldly power but a spiritual force that sustains believers in times of difficulty, challenges, and spiritual warfare.

Paul’s exhortation to “be strong in the Lord” in Ephesians 6:10 is a call to rely on God’s power, not on our own limited abilities.

1. God’s Strength is Perfect in Our Weakness

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Apostle Paul recounts a powerful truth revealed to him by God: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

This verse teaches that God’s strength is magnified when we acknowledge our own weaknesses. When we depend on God,

His power is most evident in our lives. Human strength often fails, but God’s strength never does.

Illustration: Consider the story of Gideon in Judges 6-7. Gideon felt inadequate and weak when God called him to lead Israel against the Midianites.

However, by relying on God’s strength and following His instructions, Gideon won the battle against overwhelming odds with just 300 men.

God’s power was demonstrated through Gideon’s weakness.

2. Being Empowered Through the Holy Spirit

One of the ways we are to be strong in the Lord is through the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a source of power and guidance for believers.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus promised, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill God’s will and to stand firm against spiritual opposition.

When we yield to the Holy Spirit, we are equipped with the strength we need to overcome obstacles and live in accordance with God’s purpose.

The Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness (Romans 8:26) and helps us in our battles against sin and temptation.

Example: The disciples, once fearful and hiding after the crucifixion of Christ, became bold witnesses of the gospel after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Peter, who had denied Jesus three times, became a powerful preacher who led thousands to Christ (Acts 2).

3. The Power of God’s Word

The Bible is not just a book of teachings; it is the living Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 declares, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we find the strength to combat fear, doubt, and discouragement.

God’s Word strengthens our faith, renews our minds, and empowers us to live victoriously.

In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus Himself used Scripture to overcome the temptations of Satan.

The Word of God was His weapon against the devil’s lies and deceit.

Similarly, when we saturate our minds and hearts with Scripture, we are fortified to resist the enemy’s attacks.

4. Prayer: A Source of Strength

Prayer is a direct line to God, and it is a vital source of strength for believers. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us,

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When we pray, we tap into God’s strength and peace, allowing us to face challenges with confidence.

In James 5:16, we are reminded that “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Through prayer, we invite God’s strength into our lives and situations, allowing Him to work on our behalf.

It is through prayer that we align our hearts with God’s will and receive the empowerment we need to stand firm in the face of adversity.

What Weakens Us in the Lord?

Just as there are sources of strength in the Lord, there are also factors that can weaken us spiritually. Understanding these factors can help us guard against them and remain strong in our faith.

1. Unconfessed Sin

Sin separates us from God and weakens our spiritual strength. Isaiah 59:2 states, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear.”

When we allow sin to go unconfessed and unchecked in our lives, it creates a barrier between us and God, cutting off the flow of His power in our lives.

To be strong in the Lord we need to always acknowledge our sins and shortcomings always.

David understood the debilitating effect of sin when he wrote in Psalm 32:3-4, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.”

The good news is that when we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and restore our strength (1 John 1:9).

2. Fear and Doubt

Fear and doubt are two powerful forces that can erode our faith and weaken us spiritually.

In Matthew 14:30-31, when Peter walked on water toward Jesus, he began to sink when he became afraid and doubted.

Jesus reached out and caught him, saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Fear and doubt cause us to take our eyes off Jesus and focus on the storm around us. When we allow fear to dominate, it diminishes our trust in God’s ability to protect and guide us.

Isaiah 41:10 reassures us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

To overcome fear and doubt, we must focus on God’s promises and trust in His unfailing strength.

3. Neglecting the Word of God

As mentioned earlier, the Word of God is a powerful source of strength.

Neglecting regular study and meditation on Scripture can leave us spiritually malnourished and weak. Psalm 119:28 says, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”

Without the nourishment of God’s Word, we lose the foundation upon which our faith is built, and we become more susceptible to the enemy’s lies.

Jesus emphasized the importance of living by the Word of God in Matthew 4:4 when He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Just as our bodies need food to stay strong, our spirits need the Word of God to stay spiritually healthy and strong.

4. Isolation from the Body of Christ

God designed the Christian life to be lived in community with other believers.

Hebrews 10:24-25 urges, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Isolation from fellow believers can lead to spiritual weakness and discouragement.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us that two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.

If one falls down, the other can help them up. Christian fellowship provides support, accountability, and encouragement.

When we separate ourselves from the body of Christ, we become vulnerable to spiritual attacks and discouragement.

Conclusion: Standing Strong in the Lord

To “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” is a call to live in the strength that only God can provide.

His strength is available to us through the Holy Spirit, prayer, the study of His Word, and the support of the Christian community.

When we rely on these sources of strength, we can stand firm against the trials, temptations, and challenges of life.

However, we must also be vigilant against the factors that weaken us in the Lord, such as sin, fear, doubt, neglect of the Word, and isolation from fellow believers.

By confessing our sins, trusting in God’s promises, immersing ourselves in His Word, and staying connected to the body of Christ, we can maintain our spiritual strength and live victoriously.

In closing, let us take to heart the words of Isaiah 40:29-31: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

May we continually seek to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, knowing that His strength is more than enough to carry us through every season of life.