Ephesians 6:10-11, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Is it possible for our faith to grow stronger during a time of waiting? Abraham’s did, as Paul stated in Romans 4:20, “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he promised.” Abraham fully believed God could be relied on to do what he had promised, so he fully trusted and honored God. I must do the same.
Paul quotes, in Ephe. 6:10 of 1 Samuel 30:6, “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” David turned to God, when he heard the people were thinking of stoning him, because they blamed David that their wives, sons, and daughters, were taken captive by the Amalekites (David’s included). Rather than giving into despair and anxiety, David turns to God in worship and prayer (Ps. 56:3-4). That is how David remained strong in his Christian walk. Then David, under God’s direction, ends up rescuing the people. But he first turned to God, gave God the glory, and spent one-on-one time with God before going into battle – so must I.
How do you strengthen yourself in the Lord and become a leader, leading like Jesus did? Leading like Jesus is a day by day assignment in intentionally focusing on Jesus and having a deep commitment to Him, rather than being overly self-focused. I need to check myself if I am overthinking how I am doing, how I feel, and how I am being treated. I have been learning, that in my Leadership Voice style, that is the natural tendency, plus having a strong, self critical nature. There needs to be a balance. When I don’t feel good about myself, I need to turn back to the love of God, draw near to Him, and the support of Christian friends.
We need to remind ourselves that “life is not an encounter group. Life is not a bonding meeting. Life is not a playground. Life is a battleground.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary, New Testament.
It all goes back to getting back to the basics – follow Jesus and do what He has told you to do. I need to have a balanced life and not get into extremes, and keep examining whether my strength in Christ is increasing or decreasing? Am I relying on the Lord’s strength and power and then becoming a doer of His work, or too easily give up?
God has given me, and each believer, a full set of equipment to use in the battle against the enemy of God. Remember, on the cross of Christ, demonic powers were stripped of their power to accuse Christians before God (Colossians 2:15). Yet they still exist to incite evil, because they know that their time is short (Rev. 12:12). But putting on every day our spiritual armor, the whole armor of God, gives us the shield of righteousness to be fully armed in being fit and prepared for combat, all in God’s strength and power as we walk in victory, in applying our faith, found in the truths of His Word.
Listen to Toby Mac’s, Move (Keep Walking) (Lyric Video)