Strong in the Lord

​Hanging in my study above my desk and computer is an eye-capturing picture of a bald eagle soaring majestically high above lush green forests framed by a splashing, two-tier, whitewater waterfall cascading down massive granite boulders.
This picture has inspired my soul for the past twenty years when I sit to write A Word For Your Week. In my mind’s eye I am sitting in that breathtaking setting.
The caption at the base of the portrait inspires me the most.
“…be strong in the Lord, and in the power (strength) of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
Paul introduces the classic passage on spiritual warfare and the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20 with verse ten. Paul says “Finally, my brethren…” When a biblical author uses a summary statement like finally, it is time to sit up, wake up, pay attention, take note and get what God is saying to those of us who believe in His Son Jesus Christ.
The passage is about power over the enemy of our souls. Satan is not intimidated or fearful of weak Christians. Weak, feeble, powerless Christians will never win lost souls to Christ.
Life by its very nature, whether people know the God of the Bible or not, beats us down, works us over, and wears us out. Real, everyday life finds a way to drain and deplete you and me of strength and power for living successfully daily.
I do not know about you, but weakness is not one of my friends. Being powerless and weak does not set well with me. Never has. I am certain it never will!
I admit Steve’s strength is limited. I also know God’s strength is limitless.
To fight the good fight of faith (I Timothy 6: 12) you and I must be strong in the Lord. The Christian life is a daily walk by faith and not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7) in His power, with His strength.
 Paul understood human weakness and divine strength.
Read and meditate on II Corinthians 12:1-10. Paul experienced a heavenly vision. Satan attacked him with a “thorn in the flesh” which we are not sure what exactly what the thorn was. I believe it had something to do with his eyesight and perpetual harassment and persecution from the Judaizers.
The “thorn” made Paul weak. Three times He asked the Lord to remove it. God’s response “My grace is sufficient for you; for power is perfected in weakness.” (Verse 9).
Paul’s personal response is utterly amazing, instructive and inspiring. “Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.”
Do Paul’s words hit you in your soul as hard as they hit mine? Like a ton of spiritual bricks? My goodness gracious. When I am weak, then I am strong. Well content with weaknesses. How Paul did you come to that conclusion and confession?
Paul was convinced by promise and experience that the power, strength of God rested on him in his weakness.
Like brother Paul, there is hope for Steve. In my weakness there is power from God to make me strong.
Paul could preach, teach, exhort, write, encourage and live this way because he knew he could be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Weakness is not our friend. But it is a pathway to God’s strength and power.
What To Do When You Feel Weak

• When you feel weak, powerless, admit it. There is no shame in facing the fact and admitting that you need God’s strength. Weakness happens to all of us. God’s strength is available to each of us.
• When feeling weak, actively, prayerfully seek God’s strength. Look to the Lord to empower you with His power. He hears the prayers of those who need His strength!
• Search scripture and meditate upon Bible verses that promise you God’s strength and power when you are weak and powerless. The Word is powerful in itself!
• When the Lord strengthens you, give Him the glory for empowering you!
• Share with others how God strengthened you when you were weak. Your testimony will encourage them to seek God’s power when feeling powerless.
• The next time you feel weak, remember how the Lord strengthened you in the past.

So, what are you going to do the next time when you feel weak and powerless? Are you going to stay that way or receive God’s strength and power for living victoriously in Christ?
When spiritually weak, put on the whole armor of God. Then you will battle with God’s power!
Like Paul, God’s grace is sufficient for you and me and His power is perfected in your and my weakness.
Weakness or strength. Strength in weakness. You choose.
“Once God has spoken; twice I have heard this; that power belongs to God.” Psalms 62:11
“But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings as eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses……” Acts 1:8
A Word For Your Week: Be strong in the strength of the Lord.