I wear an armband that reminds me to “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11). I often pray that God would deliver me from the evil one. We have an enemy–the evil one–who seeks only to kill, steal, and destroy. He wants to destroy you, your family, and your church.

How can we be strong in the Lord? Here are a few takeaways from this passage.

First, I need to be strong in what God can do and not simply in what I can do. I am so thankful that the battle is not mine. It is the Lord’s. If I stand in His strength, I will be able to stand. If I attempt to stand in my own strength, the chances are iffy.

Second, remember who the enemy is. In the church today, we seem to be using circular firing squads. It is time that we learn that our fellow believers or neighboring churches are not our enemies. We do not fight against flesh and blood. We are fighting a spiritual battle.

Third, a spiritual battle requires spiritual weapons. For this reason, we read about truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace.

Paul continues by emphasizing faith (“Above all taking the shield of faith”). Your faith will help you quench the flaming darts Satan throws your way.

Paul seems to progress as he emphasizes our wonderful salvation in Christ. We will be well-equipped as we take up the Word of God and pray.

You can’t stand up to false teaching, temptation, and persecution without the Word of God and prayer.

Fourth, prayer seems to have a special place. We are to pray in the Spirit, which means to be guided by the Spirit who intercedes for us when life is so tough that we don’t know how to pray (Romans 8:26). When we pray, we should not grow weary but persevere. We should pray for the strength of other believers as they live for Christ and share the Gospel.

Paul asked that they pray for him, strangely not for his physical needs in prison but in his proclamation of the Gospel. It was because of the Gospel that he was in chains.

As you begin this day, seek to “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”