14 Day Fast: Day 11

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10 (NASB1995)
 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
 
Devotional Thought:
Have you ever tried to push a car that’s out of gas? You might get a little movement, but not much. Eventually, you’ll wear yourself out. Now compare that to turning the key, hearing the engine start, and letting the car’s power do what it was designed to do. One method relies on your strength; the other relies on a greater power. The difference is exhausting effort vs. empowered movement.
 
Yesterday we learned that our relationships and fellowship are not based on how people treat us, but on how we serve the Lord through them. But let’s be honest loving difficult people, reconciling when you’re hurt, and forgiving over and over again? That’s not easy.
 
This is why Paul doesn’t leave us hanging. After all that relational instruction in verses 1–9, he pivots with a power-filled word:
 
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
 
Paul knows we’ll try to walk this thing out in our own strength and that’s where many of us stumble. We mean well. We want unity. We want restoration. But we step into conflict or correction using our words, our logic, our tone, our strength and before we know it, we’re at odds again. Why? Because we’re trying to do God’s work with human power. That never works.
 
So Paul says, Stop striving in your flesh. Start depending on His might. It’s not about being strong for the Lord. It’s about being strong in the Lord. Today, before you send the text, make the call, have the conversation, serve in ministry, or show up to church — pause and pray:
 
“Lord, strengthen me with Your might.”
 
Allow His Spirit to guide your tone, your timing, your words, your heart. Don’t force peace. Don’t fake unity. Don’t manipulate outcomes. Move in His strength and let the Spirit lead your love.
 
Takeaway for Today:
God’s work must be done with God’s strength. Don’t push—pray. Don’t strive—submit. Let His power fuel your purpose.
 
Prayer:
Lord,
I admit that too often I’ve tried to do good things in my own strength. I’ve tried to love people, fix relationships, and serve in the church without depending on You. I’ve grown tired, frustrated, and even bitter. Forgive me. Today, I surrender my strength and ask for Yours. Fill me with the might of Your Spirit. Teach me how to walk in love and unity through the power You provide. Help me stop pushing and start depending.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Supporting Scriptures for Study:
Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord.
Isaiah 40:29–31 – “He gives strength to the weary… those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness…”