Monday, July 25, 2011

Be Strong!

Paul concludes his letter to the church at Ephesus with the admonition to be strong. Have you ever wondered why God said to us throughout the Bible through different stories and passages to be strong? This is not really a trick question. He says is often because His followers are not strong - at least in His perception - which is what matters most.

In this conclusion, Paul gives some valuable insight how we can be strong. It is not with our own might. He tells us to take on the full armor of God. In other words, we cannot be strong on our on.

Some people with deep church or religious backgrounds may have actually fallen into a bad understanding that God will not allow you to take on more than you can bear. In fact, if you look up the verses in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 that thought is derived from, you will find there is more to the story. Paul, speaking of temptation in this passage, does say God will not let you have more than you can bear. He continues to say that God will provide a way of escape in those situations. So it is more than you can handle by yourself, but not so with Him.

Look at what Paul said in this letter to the Ephesians, "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting, you'll still be on your feet." (6:13, The Message).

Here again we are told this life stuff is larger than us. The only way we can stand firm is to completely, without reservation depend on and trust in God. We must take on the full armor. We must take it all - every weapon God has issued. Battles with our enemy are coming - it's a guarantee. But we can stand firm to our victory only if we take on His help.

Have a great week. (I took a little vacation and missed some weeks - but i am back in the saddle now)

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