We Aren't Strong Enough

The song "Strong Enough," by Matthew West, goes along with tonight's message perfectly.

"Well maybe, maybe that's the point, to reach the point of giving up. 'Cause when I'm finally, finally at rock bottom, that's when I start looking up and reaching out."

"I know I'm not strong enough to be everything that I'm supposed to be. I give up; I'm not strong enough. Hands of mercy, won't you cover me? Lord, right now I'm asking You to be strong enough, strong enough for the both of us."

"'Cause I'm broken, down to nothing, but I'm still holding onto the one thing: You are God and You are strong when I am weak."

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I don't have to be strong enough."

The beginning Scripture tonight comes from Ephesians 6:10-18a: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." (NIV)

God gives us the tools, Paul explains them; all we need to do is put them into action!

We will face trials. The devil is always on the attack. We must come to the realization that we can't fight on our own; we need God's help. We must rely on Him and trust that He will be at our side.

"With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26b, NIV)

Trust Him and believe He will fight for you. "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14, NIV)

Tonight's reflection question asks, "How do you prepare your people for the future?"

You should exude confidence in the Lord and help your followers put their faith in God, the ultimate Leader, while you also do so.

God bless you!