“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10 ESV)

Finally . . .

As we come to the end of Ephesians, we are given some final instructions.

We are to be strong. Strong in the Lord and not ourselves. We are to be strong in the strength of His

might. We are not to be strong in our own strength.

The exhortation is similar to that God gave Joshua as he took the mantle of leadership from Moses:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for

the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

The passage continues with specific instructions on how to be strong in the Lord:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

(Ephesians 6:11 ESV)

We are to put on the armor (protective armor) of God. And then we will be able to stand: to stand

against the schemes of the devil.

We are not called to sit by while the Prince of this World has his way. We are called to stand.

We are not called to fight the Prince of this World in our own strength. We are called to stand.

We are called to stand in God’s strength and the power of His might and to put on His armor.

It’s simple. But it’s hard.



Today, spend time answering this question: am I sitting, fighting, surrendering, ignoring or standing

against the schemes of the devil? Do you even recognize the schemes? Are you living in your own

strength or resting in God’s?

Then use God’s promises as a prayer back to God: Lord, help me be strong and courageous in You. With

You by my side, I don’t need to be afraid or discouraged, for You are with me wherever I go. Open my

eyes to the schemes of the devil and help me stand against them. Help me put on Your armor and rely on

Your strength and might. Amen

By LaRaine Rice