Be Strong in the Lord Ephesians 6:10

What does it mean to be strong? Mike talks about the challenge we have in this passage. One way to be strong is to work out. We do more than is required so that we can build our muscles. We use the way our body heals to take time to tear it down a bit each day so that it will grow back stronger. 

Another way to be strong is to simply choose courage. There are a number of passages in the Old Testament where we hear people or the Lord telling us to be strong and courageous. This is what my dad used to call intestinal fortitude, his key word for "guts." There is a strength that comes from simply choosing. We choose to trust God and to act according to what we believe about him. 

Mike talks about how even the second way to be strong is something we grow. Do you believe your fears or what God tells you? Do you believe God's promises or what our flesh and the media tell us? We can't even believe our own eyes some times. In 2 Corinthians 4:18, Paul says the things that are not seen are eternal. And Jesus told Thomas that we are blessed if we believe without seeing John 20:29. We grow in the Lord by choosing to trust him and acting accordingly. We strengthen our faith by actively trusting God.

So can you be strong in the Lord today? Ask God what you need to do, and then do it. Make the effort to do whatever God puts in your mind. Chances are you'll be a little scared. Mike believes God is calling him into some uncomfortable space. Why shouldn't we expect Jesus to do that with each of us?

One way you can do that is to sign up for the next Marketplace Mission Trip. You will get a little uncomfortable on a Marketplace Mission Trip, that's for sure. Learn more and sign up at MarketplaceMissionTrip.com.