This week’s devotions are based on Week 7 of Building Together: “Will it stand?” (WATCH HERE)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).
These words bring us back to the foundation of everything Paul has said about standing firm. Notice what Paul does not say. He does not tell us to become stronger, try harder, or prove that we are worthy soldiers in God’s army. He tells us to be strong in the Lord. Our confidence does not rest on the strength of our faith, the consistency of our efforts, or our ability to overcome every temptation. It rests on the strength of the One who has claimed us as His own.
As we conclude our Building Together series, this is an important truth to remember. We have talked about being united in Christ, putting away the old self, walking in love, living as children of light, and serving one another with the gifts God provides. Now Paul reminds us that living this way will not always be easy. We face temptation, discouragement, conflict, and the constant effort of the devil to turn our hearts away from Christ and against one another. Even a Christian committed to God’s Word can become distracted by disagreements, weariness, and competing priorities.
The answer is not to pretend these struggles do not exist. Nor is it to believe that if we become a stronger congregation, we will no longer face them. The answer is to recognize where our strength comes from. God equips His people with His truth, the righteousness of Christ, the Gospel of peace, faith in His promises, the assurance of salvation, and the living Word of God. These are not rewards for Christians who have everything together. They are gifts for people who need God’s help.
This is also the heart of the Reformation we observe tomorrow (Sorry for many it’s Halloween, but Luther chose ‘All Hallow’s Eve’ to post his statements against the sale of indulgences as many came to Wittenberg on All Saints Day – November 1 to view Elector Frederick’s collection of relics remembering the saints. Thus started what became the Reformation.) Martin Luther’s stand was not ultimately a declaration of his own courage or conviction. It was a stand on the authority of God’s Word and the saving work of Jesus Christ. The Reformation reminds us that the Church does not stand because its people are impressive, its leaders are flawless, or its plans always succeed. The Church stands because Christ is faithful and His promises do not fail.
Paul gives us another reason for confidence in Romans 8. He asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” He points us to the God who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all. Then he declares that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. That is the assurance we need when our faith feels weak, when our congregation faces challenges, or when the future seems uncertain. Our security is not found in our ability to hold on to God perfectly, but in His faithfulness to hold on to us.
So what does it mean to stand together? It means returning to Christ’s promises when doubts arise. It means speaking the truth in love when conflict threatens unity. It means praying for one another when the burden becomes heavy. And it means remembering that the victory has already been won by Jesus through His death and resurrection. We do not fight to earn that victory. We stand in the victory He has given us.
Here we stand, not in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord.
Reflect: Where are you most tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God’s promises? How can you help our congregation remain rooted in Christ as we face challenges and serve together?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. When we are weak, remind us that Your strength is sufficient. When we are divided, unite us in Your truth and love. When we are discouraged, direct our hearts to the victory Christ has already won for us. Keep us faithful to Your Word, confident in Your promises, and committed to building together as Your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.