The Bible says, ‘God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. 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. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out’ (v.10-18 MSG).

Victory consists of getting up one more time than we were knocked down. American reformer and educator Booker T. Washington said, ‘Success is not measured by the heights one attains, but by the obstacles one overcomes in its attainment.’ And our God is bigger than any obstacles we’ll face. The strength He provides is greater than the forces that stand against us. So let’s put our confidence in Him and ‘be strong in the Lord’!

What Now?

Do you know someone who needs God’s strength right now? Ask God to give you some Bible verses or words of encouragement to share with them, and remind them that they don’t need to rely on their own strength, but on God’s.