Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: Ephesians 6:10

You Have The Power

Encouragement

‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ‘
Ephesians 6:10

We all have witnessed a police officer raise his hand up to stop oncoming traffic. In response the vehicles that are approaching the officer come to a stop. But here is a question… does the officer have the physical power to actually stop the vehicle with a hand? Of course not.

The police officer is given the authority by the government to protect and serve. They use that authority to direct traffic and keep people safe. Most people recognize that authority and they stop their vehicles at the command of the officer. Hopefully the officer didn’t have to use flashing lights to make you stop!

In the same way there is authority and power invested in us by the Lord Jesus Christ! The believer who thoroughly understands that the power of God is backing them can exercise his or her authority and face the enemy fearlessly. Jesus has given us the power to tread on the devil, demons, evil spirits, and all of his cohorts.

Paul told believers to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. That means you can step out in front of the devil, hold up your hand, and in the name of Jesus (authority), tell him not to come any closer. Use your authority and resist the devil!

Pray

Lord, give me wisdom and spiritual understanding of the authority and power that has been given unto me as a believer. Give me the understanding of the authority. Help me to use the authority to defeat my enemies… in Jesus Name.

Armor Up

Encouragement, Trust

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
Ephesians 6:10

Sometimes life can be a real struggle. Reality can be obscured from a fantasy by what we watch in advertisements, in Hollywood, and see on social media.

While the battle itself is invisible, the battlefield is very much visible. Individuals fight, couples argue, families quarrel, and churches split. Add school shootings to the list as well. The struggles of our children are amongst the conflicts as well. Depression and anxiety added to the mix equates for a real messy situation. Life is a struggle.

The true reason of why we struggle in life is much deeper than we can imagine. What we commonly think is the source of our struggles is that we are in conflict against flesh and blood, against other people. However, Paul says our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but an invisible battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.

The good news is that we are strengthened and can be set free through Jesus Christ. Through Him we obtain strength and courage to endure any situation. The Lord helps us overcome any obstacle we face.

Satan doesn’t have any power over God’s children. When Jesus defeated Satan on the cross and defeated death on the third day when He arose. We who believe are set free to live an abundant life.

However, when we don’t rely on the strength of the Lord we become weak. Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. The struggle is real but the Lord is ready to deal with our struggles.

Armor up with the strength of the Lord through the truth of His word. Face your daily struggles with confidence and assurance of who you are in Christ. Don’t try to do life without Him!

Pray

Lord, I am powerless and need You. Strengthen me in the knowledge of Your truth and wisdom. Help me to understand that without Jesus I am nothing. Thank You, Lord.