Abba, in the first 9 verses in Ephesians 6, Paul shares a list of admonitions...instructions for children, parents, masters, servants. Then, Ephesians 6:10 is the conclusion of that list -- Be strong in the Lord! It is amazing to me that he is writing this letter from prison...that makes me stand at attention. It's as though Paul says, "Listen, if I could tell you one thing, it would be this...and here's how to do it."
Then, Paul sets out 9 verses about relationship. Children, this is how to get along with your parents. Parents, this is how to get along with your children. Masters, this is how to treat your servants. Servants, this is how to treat your masters. And how will you do all of this? In the Strength of the Lord.
In order to fulfill my part as a parent, to take Paul's advice, I must find my Strength in Christ so that I can do all things. In order to tenderly bring up my children in Christ, I must rely on Him to quicken and equip me with Wisdom, Knowledge, Discernment. I must open my ears, open my heart, for His Guidance.
Then, Paul shares in verses 11 - 17, to put on the complete Armor of God in order to stand against the enemy of our souls. He concludes his mentoring advice in verse 18 saying, "Pray and don't stop praying!"
Jesus, You have defeated this enemy and concluded Your Battle with, "It is finished!"
I ask You for Strength to put on the complete Armor of God and fight for the relationships in my life...for my children, for my marriage, for my voice. In Your Strength, I'll pray and won't stop praying!
I am empowered by my Union with You. I draw my Strength from Your Boundless Might.
Infuse my heart, by the Power of Your Spirit, with unyielding resolve.
I cannot do this alone...You will never fail me nor abandon me.
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