The Struggle is Real

Ephesians 6:10-12

“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.”

There are moments in each of our lives when the battles we face feel deeply personal. Conflict with others, stress at work, and challenges at home it is easy to believe the struggle is overtaking us. Yet, Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6 of a deeper truth; our real battle is not against people, but against spiritual forces at work beneath the surface.

This changes everything!!!

When we understand that the struggle is spiritual, it shifts how we respond. Instead of reacting in frustration, we can lean into God’s strength. Instead of fighting people, we fight on our knees. Instead of relying on our own abilities, we put on the full armor of God, truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, The Word, and prayer. As a young boy, I can recall seeing my grandpa take to his knees and pray with such power and heartfelt conviction that I said to myself, “I want to trust and lean on God like that.” Gerald McCauley was a man who understood the struggle was real, but he knew how to combat it; he leaned into God’s strength.

What I have learned over the years, and it has not always been easy, but it true, “Be strong in the Lord” is not a call to try harder, it is a call to trust deeper. It is an invitation to draw from His power, not our own.

It is my hope that today, whatever you are facing, remember God has already equipped you for the struggle. You are not along, and you are not without strength. Stand firm, not in yourself, but lean into Him!

Here is an acronym that I hope will help you today and, in the days, to come.

S- Strengthened in the Lord.                                                                                                                      “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power”.

              Our strength begins and ends with Him.

T- Take up the Full Armor

            “Put on the full armor of God”

             We must be intentional in equipping ourselves daily.

A- Aware of the Real Battle

            “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood”

             We fight spiritual battles, not just physical ones.

N- Never Stand Alone

            “So that when the day of evil comes”

             God is with us; we stand in His presence and His power.

D- Do All to Stand Firm

            “After you have done everything, to stand.”

             Perseverance is the call; hold your ground in faith.

This is a powerful reminder that standing firm is not passive; it is an active, daily reliance on God’s strength and truth!

Blessings,

Dr. Carson Castleman