Christ is in our midst, my dear readers!
Photo: only.bible Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might (Eph. 6:10).
We know these words well. They are not a slogan, not a moral rule, but a concise expression of the fundamental principle of our spiritual existence. Yet how do we put this into practice? Where do we get strength? To whom should we look when the ground is slipping from under our feet? The Apostle answers simply: be strengthened not by your own power, but by the power of God.
We must not rely only on our own strength, will, character, or psychological techniques. All of these work only if power is given to us from above. And for this we need not go anywhere or search for anything. God is always here, beside us. It is we who may be far from Him.
Christ conquered sin, death, and the fallen angels. But the battle did not end there. The power of evil, though defeated, continues to resist fiercely. It has entrenched itself in the strongholds of human hearts. The prince who “worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2) has divided the world into two camps. And we stand on the very front line. That is why the Apostle teaches: “stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Evil is not merely human corruption; it is stubborn spiritual resistance, and every sin has demonic influence at its root. This war cannot end by itself, without our participation. Its outcome is either the Kingdom of Heaven or the hell of eternal torment. This is the price of our victory or defeat. Where do we find strength for this struggle?
From the wisdom of Christ, from prayer, from contemplation. To do this we must make the Gospel the criterion and measure of every circumstance in life—orienting ourselves not by the news, but by the Word of God.
Being strengthened in the Lord concerns not only prayer but our entire life—family, work, and public life. Wherever you stand—be strengthened; whatever position you hold—seek grace; whatever you do—turn it into a path toward Christ.
St. Seraphim of Sarov said to Motovilov, “Do you desire more grace? Pray, fast, do alms, and you shall receive it. Do everything you can for Christ’s sake, and the Spirit of God will increase in you.”
Let God into the most ordinary things of everyday life. If someone offends you, do not become embittered.
If someone wrongs you, forgive.
By this you will draw down the strength of God. This is the first step of grace. If you keep peace in your soul and your family, this is the second step, and so on.
Be strengthened in the Lord even in small things, and you will receive abundant grace of the Holy Spirit.In a world where thousands of voices shout, “Look at me,” “Be like me,” the Apostle Paul says: Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
We must seek those who themselves stand before God. Look to those who preserve the peace of the heart. To those who humbly live the Gospel. To those who “go out to battle without fear.” These may be saints who have entered the Heavenly City, or contemporary pastors. We may even find such examples among those who live next to us.
But above all, listen to Christ, Who says to each of us: Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). The Apostle Paul calls us not to despondency, anxiety, or panic—but to courage. He seems to say, “The Lord is with us. Go out to battle without fear or confusion.” To be strengthened in the Lord means to go to Him in faith, not to wait for grace to fall on us from the sky. God does not say, “Just wait, and someday I will help you.” No. He says: “I am already here. Fear not; be of good courage.” Timidity is a small inward betrayal, as if we were saying to God, “You will not manage this.” But faith is the firm knowledge that God is stronger than all enemies. If God be with us, who can be against us?
We live in a troubled time, but not a hopeless one. Even the darkest times become a time for courage. God never surrenders His position. And if we stand firm in doing good, each victory of this sort will draw us nearer to God.
Thus will we be able to walk the path of faith, keeping the heart alive, bright, and Christ-filled.
