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. Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)
Believers are to stand “strong in the Lord” – not in ourselves or in our vain conceits. Flesh will eventually (or even initially) fail us as it frets, fumbles and flees but God’s strength is flawlessly all-powerful as He is Omnipotent in His being. The strength of every saint therefore is not found within themselves rather in the Lord of Hosts. Indeed, Scripture tells us to deny self – take us our cross and follow Jesus Who calls us to “walk as He walked” through His power and for His glory. The Most High God can certainly defend Himself apart from us. He does not “need” our help. Indeed, He needs nothing. He can overcome His enemies by His mere breath sans our strength yet He allows us to be used for both our good and His glory. Again, we are no match against Satan’s wiles - flesh cannot defend itself against the darkness of this world apart from His mighty arm any more than a mere infant could be an NFL quarterback. Remember, God is the strength of the saints against sin, self and Satan. And we are to depend upon Him and not seek to go forth in our own power which is really no power at all. Moses writes in Deuteronomy 33:12B (NIV): “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”
To believe that our God is almighty in power and is ever engaged for the believer’s defense strengthens the Christian in the midst of all their temptations, tribulations and trials. We are not to lean on our own understanding or strength (which is actually no strength at all) rather we are to acknowledge Him in all our ways and He will make our paths straight as well as empower us through the Holy Spirit to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel. His Almighty power, perfect wisdom, and His pure lavish love stands at the ready for every heir of mercy who is firmly and fully persuaded that God is able to do what He has promised to do and even more so. God will never go against His revealed will in Scripture and “no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless”. Indeed, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him”, the psalmist declares in Psalms 2:12B (NIV).
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:26 (NIV)