Stand Firm

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

The church in Ephesus was the ‘poster child’ of the early church; a place of light in a dark world.  As such, they would face adversity, as social minorities so often experience. Paul seeks to advise them through these difficulties in a practical way by giving them a broader perspective of their role in God’s universe. 

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he offers encouragement to stand firm in the face of adversity, fear, and pain. He gives us a better perspective. We are wired to focus our attention when we feel threatened or stressed. That instinct works to our advantage when avoiding a collision while driving or a snake while hiking. But in the everyday struggles of life, our narrowed vision can cause us to lose perspective.

How do your struggles cause you to narrow your focus? Do you find yourself consumed with your own well-being? Unable to forgive loved ones? Avoiding others? Is there something bigger going on that you might be missing? We tend to react when we feel threatened. We might better serve Christ by simply standing firm on the promise that we are not alone. Remember always that you are loved and cared for in the midst of this present darkness. The struggle is real, as they say. But it is bigger than you and so is God’s love for you in Christ. Stand firm on that truth.

See you Sunday!
Missy