"BE STRONG IN THE LORD!"

Ephesians 6:10-20               (ESV)
"10 Finally, "BE STRONG IN THE LORD" and in the strength of HIS might.
11 Put on the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For WE DO NOT WRESTLE against FLESH and BLOOD, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, AGAINST THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of GOD, that you may be ABLE TO WITHSTAND in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND FIRM.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD,
18 praying at all times in the SPIRIT, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."




One of the most difficult acknowledgements I have had to overcome in my life (and I still have problems with it!) is RECOGNIZING that the enemy is a master of disguise and can camouflage himself as any of our friends, family, or (easiest for me, at least) one of my adversaries to challenge my walk with the LORD!  The enemy will do ANYTHING he can to damage a relationship and get me focusing on "my hurt", rather than SEEING him and his destruction.  At least with me, I seemingly always want to "blame" an earthly being, and it hurts the most when it is someone I trust, or LOVE, than to admit my "adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour"! (1 Peter 5:8)!!

Now there are some people who seem to be a magnet for our "adversary the devil"!  For the most part, we don't need to be consumed by the constant turmoil and strife that is associated with those people.  The version of the Bible that uses the word "battle" seems most appropriate to me for this verse (HCSB), for everyday is a new conflict, a new struggle that we must overcome.  When we are able to RECOGNIZE our enemy and focus on defeating him in our lives instead of the people he is using to bring about the hurt and pain, our STRUGGLING, or BATTLING, or WRESTLING will be much less harmful to us, as the enemy HAS BEEN defeated over two thousand years ago and we don't need to continue trying to overcome him.

Throughout my life I have grown the most when I have had to "BE STRONG IN THE LORD"!  Every struggle or battle we go through has a purpose and meaning behind it, I just have to recognize them.  Being able to "SEE" what GOD is trying to get us to "glean" out of an uncomfortable situation can be one of the biggest blessings of our lives!  Wallowing in the hurt and the lessons of defeat while GOD moves us through the BROKENNESS can be one of the most painful periods of our lives!  GOD WILL GET GLORY (Isaiah 42:8), no matter how long we choose to live in anguish!  Not allowing myself to "live in the ruts" of being stuck and getting through the mud hole is an invaluable lesson.

So accept that trials and tribulations WILL come, but if we can "BE STRONG IN THE LORD" they will NOT consume our minds and activities.  The enemy is deceitful beyond our wildest imaginations sometimes, but if we can "BE STRONG IN THE LORD" we can begin to recognize his tactics and make ourselves aware of his presence!  It's time to cease the game playing!  It's time to "BE STRONG IN THE LORD" and to be used for HIS KINGDOM!!!