Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ~ Ephesians 6:10

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.. ~ Ephesians 6:18a

We haven’t simply been given a uniform to wear, but been given the Power of the Lord to live and to fight in this life. Recently as I was reading the very familiar passage in Ephesians 6, I had this thought.

You see many of us have read and know the passages, let us put on the whole Armor of God, so that we can stand firm (v.13), however recently I have been dwelling on the book ends of this passage, it begins with, “Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might;” and closes with, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”

Therefore how are we to put on the whole Armor of God to be able to stand firm? In and through His power, in and through Him, this is really comforting to me. I have my part, I must put on the whole Armor of God, I seek to put on:

• Belt of Truth
• Breastplate of Righteousness
• Gospel of Peace (as shoes)
• Shield of Faith
• Helmet of Salvation
• Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)

Then once dressed we move forward, not in confidence of the of our own strength because we have on the right uniform, but we move forward in the One who indwells the uniform. In His Strength and in His Power, praying at all times.

The bookends of standing firm in the midst of this world are found in His Strength and in Prayer to Him for that Strength. We do not have to be strong on our own, and this is a very good thing.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

~ 1 Corinthians 15:57