Strength to endure
Ephesians 6:10-12
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. 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.
A speaker at one of the Christian gatherings pondered on the question, “Where would you be when Jesus returns?”. As followers of Christ, we want to be found at the center of His will, with a pure mind, set on heavenly things, a heart that is right, and a body being poured out as a holy sacrifice to Him. This might be the perfect spiritual state and what a sure delight to hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant”. But life as we know it is a tension between who we are (in the flesh) and who we’re supposed/ want to be for the Lord- the work in progress, someone still being sanctified by the power of God and the sinner saved by grace. The good we aim to do is not always thriving and it can be frustrating.
“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me (Romans 7:18-19)”.
Unfortunately, the troubles are neither painless nor costless and often are not quick to go away. But God supplies the strength to endure, the means to stand and persevere, till Jesus comes. Through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, we can ask God to help us rely upon the strength of His own might.
You may feel defeated now, old sins and temptations creeping in. God is able to carry you through. He promised to come for you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you”(John 14:18-20). When you have endured a little longer, endure some more with the strength God so graciously gives. Until you see the Lord face to face and be in His presence evermore.
Reflection
How can you glorify God in your weakness and trials?
Why is it important to be still before the Lord in your troubles?
In grace and mercy
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