Our Enduring Power Source

Women, Ephesians 6:12 teaches us that in any situation we find ourselves we have been mightily enabled and empowered to stand faithful against Satan’s devices and spiritual wickedness: “Put on the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph. 6:11) Our responsibility is to yield, put it on, and use it confidently as our protection. It is easy to succumb to emotionalism, allowing our feelings to rule in the moment, or be anxious about what was, what is, or what is to come. Verse 10 just told us to be strong in God’s power and might, but will we do it?

Dear sisters, we surely can do this if we remember and trust it is all God’s provision: The phrase, “May be able,” indicates a choice is to be made to attain to this ‘fixed state of being’ protected by God’s grace doctrines as we believe. Our proportion of faith is the doctrine formed in our inner man. Will we trust Him in and through the challenges, no matter the outcome? We are able to stand strong in this fortified posture to deal with anything that comes against us to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (vs.16) Even if the world overcomes and kills this body, we will be with our Lord. (II Cor. 5:8)

As ambassadors, we are here on God’s behalf, yet some things feel so grievous, as they did for Paul: “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Phil. 1:23-24) God empowers and enables us to standfast with this armor. We each have a measure of faith, which was formed and now resides in our inner man. The makeup of our armor in Ephesians 6:14-20 helps us stay strong and unshakable. We’re to ‘put them on,’ trusting Him: “truth” (loins girt), “righteousness (breastplate), “gospel of peace” (feet shod), “faith” (shield), “salvation” (helmet), the “Word of God” (sword of Spirit), “praying always”  (in the Spirit), “watching with all perseverance and supplication for the saints” and that “utterance…that I may speak boldly.”

Think on this: Sisters, we are mightily empowered, “to withstand… having done all, to stand.” (vs. 13) Do you truly believe it? Do you think about it as you go through a challenge? Even in the little things, we are to trust in Christ’s power and wisdom, leading captive every thought. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (II Cor. 10:5) What is utterly impossible in your own efforts, Christ can enable and empower you by His life in us.