“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may stand against the wiles (schemings) of the devil.”  Ephesians 6:10-11  

In light of all that is happening in our nation and the world at this time let us delves into our opening Scripture.  It tells us to be strong in the Lord that we may stand against or as some translations say ‘stand firm against the deceits of the devil’.

Be strong:    
“Be strong, let your heart take courage, 
 All you who wait for the LORD!”  Psalm 31:24

“Say to those who have an anxious heart,
 Be strong; fear not!
 Behold, your God will come with vengeance;
 With the recompense of God.
 He will come and save you.”  Isaiah 35:4

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”  
1 Corinthians 16:13 

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:1

God is our strength:
“The LORD is my strength and my shield;
 In Him my heart trusts, and I am helped…
 The LORD is the strength of his people;
 He is the saving refuge of His people.”  Psalm 28:7-8

“God is our refuge and strength,
 A very present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1

“My flesh and my heart may fail,
 But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”  Psalm 73:26

We are to be strong not in our own strength, but in God’s strength.  How?
By putting on the whole armor of God which is spiritual armor for that is the only way we can stand firm ‘for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but…against the spiritual forces of wickedness…’ (Ephesians 6:12).  Therefore it must be the whole spiritual armor!  See the whole armor covers completely!  Safe and secure in Christ Jesus!

The whole armor is Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation and the Word of God; this is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.  With this armor do we rush out to do battle?  No!  We are to stand firm!

James 4:7 tells us, 
“Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
And 1 Peter 5:8-9,
“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

The battle belongs to the Lord!
And we are to be,
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Believers).”  Ephesians 6:18

We are one in Christ, therefore, Paul tells us to uphold and encourage one another,
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.  1 Thessalonians 5:14

Hallelujah!  God is in control so let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts!
Amen