Devotional
Following Jesus isn't always easy. There is a real spiritual battle happening around us.
If we're going to live faithfully for Christ, we have to learn how to stand firm.
Our strength is not found in ourselves. Our strength is found in the Lord.
Ephesians 6:10–13
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world... Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”
Paul doesn't tell us to be strong in ourselves. He tells us to be strong in the Lord.
That's an important distinction, because how often do we try to fight spiritual battles in our own strength?
When We Rely on Ourselves
We try to overcome it through willpower.
We try to control everything around us.
We try to prove ourselves.
We tell ourselves to simply “do better.”
We carry their weight as if everything depends on us.
We were never meant to fight this battle in our own strength.
There will be moments in your life when you feel spiritually tired. Moments when you're questioning what God is doing, when temptation feels stronger than your desire to obey, or when comparison starts stealing your joy.
There will be moments when you're trying to follow Jesus while navigating relationships, your career, finances, family, friendships, and an unknown future.
“Why does this feel so hard?”
Paul reminds us that there is a spiritual battle happening—and our response isn't to panic, hide, or try harder.
Our response is to stand.
God Provides What We Need
The Armor of God
Belt
Truth
The truth we stand on comes from God.
Breastplate
Righteousness
The righteousness that covers us comes from God.
Shoes
Gospel of Peace
The Gospel that gives us peace comes from God.
Shield
Faith
The faith that protects us comes from God.
Helmet
Salvation
The salvation that gives us confidence comes from God.
Sword of the Spirit
God's Word
The Word we use to fight lies comes from God.
Notice that Paul doesn't tell us to create our own armor.
God provides it.
When the Enemy Speaks
Stand on what is true.
“You're not enough.”
You don't have to prove yourself. Stand on the truth of who God says you are.
“You're alone.”
Stand on the truth that God is with you.
“Your past disqualifies you.”
Stand on the Gospel and what Jesus has already done for you.
“You have to figure this out alone.”
Stand on the truth that your life is held by the God who knows the beginning and the end.
The armor of God isn't about becoming strong enough that you never struggle.
It's about learning where your strength comes from when you do.
Maybe that's what some of us need to hear today.
But you do need to know where to stand.
when lies are loud.
when you can't see what God is doing.
when shame tells you to run.
when your feelings tell you something different.
Above all, stand in the strength of the Lord.
Application
Where are you fighting in your own strength?
Maybe it's a temptation you've been trying to overcome by yourself. Maybe it's anxiety about your future, insecurity, comparison, a difficult relationship, disappointment with God, or a season that has left you spiritually exhausted.
Bring that area before the Lord.
“Where do I need to stand on Your truth instead of my feelings?”
Put on the armor this week
- Read God's Word.
- Remind yourself of the Gospel.
- Pray honestly.
- Worship God.
- Stay close to people who point you to Jesus.
You are not powerless.
You are not alone.
You are not expected to fight in your own strength.
Be strong in the Lord. Put on the armor He has given you. Stand firm.
Trust that when the battle comes, Jesus is the One who gives you everything you need to keep standing.