Be Strong In the Lord

"Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." Ephesians 6:10

It is such a temptation to look for strength in my flesh.  Being strong in the Lord is an admission of my weakness and need of help.  It is humbling to realize that I don't have the strength to accomplish anything of lasting value apart from him.  Paul told the Corinthians that he boasted in his weaknesses.  When Paul prayed for the 'thorn' in his flesh to be removed, the Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ( 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10)

Trying to operate in my flesh according to my strength is rooted in pride and seeks to glorify self.  It is not mere coincidence that Paul ends this section in Ephesians with a call to pray at all times, with all prayer, with all perseverance.  Prayer is an act of humility and dependency that acknowledges my weakness and seeks the Lord's infinite strength.