Be Strong2
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
I’ve been watching some of the NBA finals, and for some reason this year I’ve been more impressed than ever with the incredible talent of the towering giants and the little Davids that don’t seem to be too afraid of them. When it finally gets to the playoffs, every team that has made it this far is equipped with a level of ability that makes for a very competitive and entertaining series of games. From one game to the next it’s surprising how much variance there can be in the display of this ever-present ability, however. While one team may totally dominate in one game, the very next game may be a completely different story, with the opposite team taking the day where you would never have thought it possible. While the pundants and analysts try to weigh the differences between the teams, giving their take on who should win based upon each team’s talents, there is another element that cannot be predetermined- how that talent will be utilized. The most interesting and entertaining experience for me in the battle for the title is when the team that shouldn’t win based upon all the expert analysis defies all discrepancies of talent, size and ability to actually win as an underdog. The most impressive victories are the ones when an apparently less talented and gifted team brings everything they have to the battle and, instead of trying not to lose, show the flash and the big names what it’s really like to ‘be strong’.
There are giants of the faith, you know, those wonderfully eloquent and knowledgeable leaders that make it look easy and oh so doable to win every time and in every way. You might even find yourself from time to time getting caught up with just how great is their success based upon their impressive acquisitions and the beauty of their self presentation. Somehow there would appear to be a discrepancy of gifting and an inability to be nearly as competitive or successful. There is a spiritual competition each one of us are in, though, where appearances and analysis of gifts and apparent abilities are much less essential than whether or not we show up at the conflict ready, confident and aggressive with the true ability that comes only by the Spirit. When it comes to real victory and the Spirit’s power, it’s way more critical how much is done with a little than how little is done with a lot. While in a spiritual battle it wouldn’t seem possible that the little quiet lady rarely noticed or recognized could make much of an impact, when the dust settles and the true score is tallied, there may be way more victories won and joy and peace gained by her as the loud and beautiful display has fallen prey to temptation and apathy. From one day and one moment to the next victory will be ultimately claimed by the one who first of all has the most passion for it, and then, believing in the power of the Spirit within, takes that power in all its preparation to the battle with boldness and lack of fear. It’s the one who has learned to ‘be strong’ rather than just look the part that ends up with a completed purpose and a ‘well done faithful servant’.
There is a ‘being’ for today. Though we may not appear to be nearly capable in our own strength, we are sent into the conflict of this day with a directive to ‘be strong’ with an equipping that will defy all competition with its unstoppable force. This force and this power is ever present from day to day, but while yesterday’s use of it may have yielded success, today’s challenge will require just as much passion and boldness or the enemy is ready to take the medal and leave us in defeat. Whether on not we may feel or look like it, we are well able to take this day if we will only ‘be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might’. We’ll not be the ones who could have or should have, but we’ll be among those who took everything to the competition, holding nothing back, and by His promised strength overcame.
