“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

In the common place ins-and-outs of our day-to-day life, we come under numerous spiritual attacks. Oftentimes we are not even aware of our spiritual frailty until we are met with some great conflict or challenge to our commitment to be Christ-like. In these times we see a weakness, but we also see a Strength.

Whether the offense be in word or deed (a physical confrontation or just a snide comment from someone having a bad day themselves), it does not always seem easy to stand against the “wiles of the devil” amid the various trials we face – and we all face trials.

“…For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” (Matthew 18:7).

Today’s text in Ephesians 6 begins a famous listing as the Apostle Paul tells us to “Put on the whole armour of God…” (verse 11). We know that herein lies our help to stand “in the evil day” (verse 13), and yet we still find ourselves in situations in which we fell overwhelmed. Feelings of grief, anxiety, and depression all stem from doubt which creeps in when we let down “the shield of faith” (verse 16).

We don’t have to have these feelings when we “stand” (verse 13), for by faith we have access to a peace “which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). With this peace, we can be strong both in the Lord and in the power of His might, as we rest in His strength.

Even in our weakest moments, our biggest trials, the Furnace of Affliction, we can have peace knowing that the Lord’s strength is made perfect therein (2 Corinthians 12:9), because it is then that we rely on His strength. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, what confrontation we encounter, what spiritual battle befalls us, we can be comforted in the Lord; for “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Yes, all things are working together for our good because we love and are loved by God. We are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Even in trials we have reason to rejoice because it is then that we rest in His strength. It is then that we can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.