Daily Devotion: Complete in Christ Week Seven, Day Five

Read: Ephesians 6:10–18

Devotion

Paul tells believers to “be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.”

Why? Because we have an enemy. Satan is sly and sneaky. He doesn't always make his attacks obvious. He uses deception, temptation, discouragement, and lies to try to move us away from God. That's why Paul repeatedly tells believers to stand. Stand firm.

Stand against the schemes of the devil. Stand with the armor God provides. Notice that our strength isn't found in ourselves. We don't stand firm because we are smarter than Satan. We don't stand firm because we know everything. We stand firm because God has given us everything we need to stand. Among that armor is the “belt of truth” and the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Truth matters. God's Word matters. Knowing the truth matters.

When the enemy whispers a lie, God's Word gives us the truth we need to answer it. When temptation tells us that sin will satisfy us, God's Word reminds us where true satisfaction is found. When discouragement tells us that God has abandoned us, God's Word reminds us of His promises. When the world tells us that Jesus isn't enough, God's Word reminds us that Christ is sufficient.

So stand firm.

Reflection

• Where am I currently being tempted to compromise God's truth?

• What lie does the enemy seem to use against me most often?

• What Scripture speaks truth against that lie?

• Am I depending on God's strength or my own?

Prayer

Lord, strengthen me with Your power. Help me recognize the schemes of the enemy and stand firmly in Your truth. Give me courage to hold onto Your Word even when the world tells me something different. Amen.