Spiritual WarfareSample

God Has Mighty Power

When you are battling temptations, Paul tells you to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).

The apostle uses two Greek words to form the phrase “mighty power.” The first is kratos—the power to control things. The second is ischus—the ability to do something effectively. They mean you have a God who’s in total control of your life and uses everything effectively for your good. That belief is a weapon in this spiritual war!

Let’s say you’re trying not to worry about money. You could try to “be strong” in your own ability to control your finances: “I’m going to get that promotion, start that business.” As noble as your intentions might be, however, you lack both the kratos and the ischus to guarantee a good result. You lack the power to control the economy or the accident that leaves you with unexpected insurance bills. Look in the mirror, and you’ll have plenty to worry about.

But be strong “in the Lord and in his mighty power” and you deal your worry a deadly blow. “My Father has the power and the ability to provide for me. He will work all things for my good and keep his promise to give me my daily bread. If he didn’t spare his own Son when I was just a sinner, how could he not take care of me now that I’m his child?”

Whatever your spiritual struggle, consider what it looks like to find your strength not in yourself but in the Lord’s mighty power.