Strong in the Lord
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” — Ephesians 6:10
When “Be Strong” Is Not Enough
We often tell ourselves, “Be strong.” We square our shoulders, take a deep breath, and try to manufacture enough courage to handle the day. But Paul does not simply say, “Be strong.” He says, “Be strong in the Lord.” That small phrase changes everything. Christian strength is not pretending we are never tired, worried, or overwhelmed. It is admitting our weakness and drawing from the boundless strength of Christ.
The Folding-Chair Lesson
A man once arrived early for a church dinner and decided to prove how helpful—and strong—he was by carrying a towering stack of folding chairs. He could barely see over them, but he refused assistance. Halfway across the fellowship hall, one chair slipped. Then another. Within seconds, the whole stack crashed with a noise that sounded like a cymbal solo. From behind the pile came his muffled voice: “I had it under control until gravity got involved.”
Many of us live like that. We keep stacking obligations, worries, and expectations higher, insisting, “I’ve got this.” Yet God never asked us to carry life alone. His invitation is not to impress Him with our strength, but to depend upon His. Humility is not weakness; it is the doorway through which God’s power enters our circumstances.
Plugged into the Power
Another fellow spent twenty minutes trying to start a leaf blower. He checked the switch, inspected the cord, and even gave the machine a firm little speech about cooperation. His neighbor finally walked over, quietly picked up the loose end of the extension cord, and plugged it into the outlet. The blower roared to life. The man nodded thoughtfully and said, “Exactly what I was about to try next.”
Activity is not the same as spiritual power. We can hurry, plan, worry, and work until we are exhausted, yet remain disconnected from the Source. We “plug in” through prayer, Scripture, worship, obedience, and fellowship with other believers. These practices do not earn God’s strength; they position our hearts to receive and rely upon it.
Strength for the Next Step
Isaiah promises that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength: they will soar, run without growing weary, and walk without fainting. Notice that the verse includes soaring, running, and walking. Some days God gives us eagle-like courage. Other days He gives us enough grace to keep walking. Both are miracles of His sustaining power.
Being strong in the Lord may mean facing a crisis with bold faith. It may also mean making the next phone call, forgiving one more time, showing up when you feel weary, or praying, “Lord, I cannot do this without You.” God’s strength often arrives one faithful step at a time.
Three Ways to Stand Strong Today
- Name your weakness. Tell God honestly where you feel tired, afraid, tempted, or inadequate.
- Receive His strength. Read a promise from Scripture and pray it back to the Lord.
- Take the next faithful step. Do not wait until you feel invincible; obey with the strength God supplies today.
Reflection
- What burden have I been trying to carry in my own strength?
- Which habit helps me stay connected to the Lord’s power?
- What is one faithful step God is asking me to take today?
