“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man” – Ephesians 3:16 (KJV)
Every day, we encounter challenges. There are times when these challenges seem unbearable, and we feel like giving up. The truth is, giving up is not an option. The Lord Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is our helper in such times. He strengthens our inner self (Isaiah 41:10).
To have the inner man strengthened by the Spirit is to:
A. Have our spirit energised with His life and to bring our soul (mind, will, emotion) completely under God’s influence and direction so that the Holy Spirit can manifest His power through us in a greater measure.
B. Have the capacity to maintain emotional stability, mental clarity, and spiritual balance even in the most challenging circumstances. At its core, this is inner strength.
C. Have an inner reservoir of fortitude that helps us persevere through hardships, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain faith when faced with uncertainty.
Why do we need this strength?
1. That Christ may establish His presence in us (Romans 8:9-10).
2. That we may be rooted and established in the revelation of Christ’s love for us together with all the saints (Ephesians 3:17-18).
3. That we may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19).
4. That we may prosper (3rd John 1:2).
My prayer is that God’s presence may so fill us that we reflect from our innermost being the character and stature that belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, and be an example for the world to see.
Read: Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 1:7
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 145:1-7; Revelation 11; Ezra 4:6-24; Ezra 5