Strength in the Lord

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (NIV)

            After the great exodus from Egypt, the Israelites lost their way and turned against the God of Heaven. They worshiped powerless idols and provoked God to wrath. Due to their repeated acts of idolatry, He allowed them to be raided and taken captive by their enemies time and time again. Each time they were punished, they would cry out to God. And because of His undying love for them, He would save them. Israel was not like the other nations and during that time, they had no king. But God raised up judges, who delivered them from their enemies, and settled matters between them. Nevertheless, once the judges died, the Israelites quickly turned back to their old adulterous ways and was once again punished by God and taken captive by their enemies. 

            During one of these rebellious times, when Israel had been enslaved by the king of Canaan, the Israelites once again cried out to God for help—after having been  oppressed for 20 years. God heard the cries of His people and raised up another judge. Not only did He raise a female judge, but she, Deborah, was a prophetess as well.

            God informed Deborah that He was going to deliver them from captivity. Upon receiving a word from the Lord, she sent for Barak, son of Abinoam, who was a warrior and told him that God was going to use him to deliver Israelites’ enemies into his hands. Although, Deborah gave him a word directly from God, Barak would only go if she went with him. Therefore, she did as he requested. She did not allow the fear of being a woman, going into battle with a bunch of men, deter her. She was strong in the Lord and relied upon the promise that He would do exactly what He said.

            The Apostle Paul lets us know that we are to be strong in the Lord. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, what your background is, or your educational level, God can and will use you if you rely solely upon Him. As a woman of God, you are a strong warrior, not within your own strength, but in the power of the almighty God. The Bible lets us know that whatever battle we face, it belongs to Him. 2 Chronicles 20:15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. (NIV)

            Never allow the devil to make you doubt the gifts, talents and even the call upon your life to minister for Him. God wants us to be bold in declaring the good news about His redeeming salvation. It is all about Him and therefore, if we keep this in mind, we will be powerful in the Lord beyond measure. Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV) Therefore, repeat this verse whenever the enemy comes your way with thoughts of doubt, depression, low self-esteem, or other destructive seeds that will grow in your mind if you allow it. Be strong in the Lord and He will give you the victory.