(The image, Made by God to Stand, was created by ChatGPT)

 

Strong. Steady. Ready.

By Dr. Al Hearne II

 

Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

As this new quarter begins, we remember that we are Made by God. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that God intentionally formed every part of who we are. In Quarter 1, we examined how growth begins in God’s hands, how He forms our identity, and how He strengthens our roots. In Quarter 2, we looked at how love is the visible evidence of that growth, expressed in how we serve, forgive, and honor others. As we move into Quarter 3, the emphasis changes. Growth and love are not just ideas we talk about, they shape how we live when things get difficult and this is where standing comes in. Being Made by God to Stand is not about pushing harder or proving something. It is about staying rooted when pressure shows up. Standing looks like continuing to do what is right, even when it would be easier to give in, shut down, or walk away. It is quiet faithfulness when life feels heavy and uncertain. It looks like holding conviction without panic, choosing calm instead of control, and trusting that the God who created us is also the God who sustains us in every season. In Quarter 3, we will examine how the whole armor of God equips us to stand.

As Paul nears the end of his letter to the Ephesians, he does not offer simple closing remarks. He gives a final command. His tone sharpens. His words pull back the curtain on a deeper battle beneath everyday life. The Christian life, Paul says, is not passive or casual. It requires strength, preparation, and alert awareness. Today, this battle is evident in how technology influences our values and decisions, often leading to distraction and disconnection from what truly matters. Economic pressures, too, can cause stress and compromise our integrity as we strive to manage the demands of modern life. Recognizing these pressures makes the call for spiritual readiness and alertness more tangible and urgent for families today.

Paul carefully defines the source of our strength. He does not tell us to be strong in ourselves. The command is not “try harder,” it is: “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” In a world that often encourages self-reliance and the mantra of 'finding inner strength,' Paul's directive stands in stark contrast, reminding us that our true power comes from beyond ourselves. Everything that follows rests on this truth. The strength we need does not originate in us. It comes from the unshakable power of God.

This perspective changes how we see the battle itself. If our struggle is not against people, then people are never the enemy. Even those who oppose our values are not the actual threat. Paul is shifting our focus away from frustration, anger, and fear toward spiritual clarity. When we realize this, our responses shift. We choose prayer instead of retaliation. Forgiveness instead of bitterness. Wisdom rather than anxiety. To cultivate empathy, consider asking: What might the story be behind someone who disagrees with us? What challenges or perspectives could be influencing their views? Encouraging this imagination reminds us that each individual is on their own journey, and that our real battle lies beyond personal conflicts.

Imagine a lighthouse standing firm in a storm. Waves crash, and winds roar, but the lighthouse remains steady because it is anchored deep and built strong. That is the image Paul gives us. Life will bring spiritual pressure through temptation, confusion, discouragement, and conflict. Yet when we are rooted in God’s strength, we do not have to be shaken.

That strength is not vague or abstract because God supplies it. God strengthens us when we “put on the whole armor of God”. Each piece of armor is a gift from God, given not so we can attack others, but so we can stand firm. God’s truth secures us. Righteousness guards our hearts. Peace steadies our steps. Faith protects us. Salvation secures our identity. God’s Word guides and defends us. We cannot select only the pieces we like; we need the whole armor of God “to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Paul describes the opposition as schemes. These are not loud or obvious attacks. They are subtle plans meant to distract, divide, confuse, or slowly pull us off course. Imagine two siblings who generally get along but gradually fall into a pattern of competitive rivalry. It starts with a harmless game, a small disagreement over who won, and slowly escalates as each feels the need to outdo the other, fostering resentment over time. What seems ordinary on the surface distracts them from their bond, illustrating how easily we can be diverted. That is why spiritual alertness matters. Our calling is to be strong, steady, and ready, clothed in what God has already provided.

Although we do not know what pressures each day will bring, God does. He fully equips us so we can stand with confidence. We do not fight for victory. We stand in the victory already won through Jesus. To celebrate this triumph, consider establishing a family victory ritual. Each day, think “Victory in Jesus!” This simple yet powerful habit can reinforce the completed work of Christ and instill joy through repetition.

Application

This week, guide your family to begin each day with spiritual preparation. During breakfast or the drive to school, say together, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Then talk about one piece of God’s armor and how it helps us stand firm.

Help your children recognize that people are not the enemy. Talk about how fear, pride, anger, and selfishness often come from spiritual pressure rather than from others. When those moments arise, remind them that God has given us armor and we are not alone.

As a family, create a checklist of the six pieces of armor found in Ephesians 6:13-17. Use it as a daily reminder to get dressed spiritually, just as you prepare for the day ahead.

Reflection – Ask your children to reflect upon the following questions:

Before jumping into these questions, take a brief moment of silent reflection together. Encourage your children to think deeply about these ideas on their own.

• What does it mean to be strong in the Lord instead of in ourselves?
• Why do you think Paul emphasizes putting on the whole armor of God?
• Which piece of God’s armor do you think you will need most this week?

Growth in Action

• For younger children: Create a paper armor of God figure. Let them color and attach each piece as you talk about its purpose. Encourage them to say, “God gives me what I need to stand strong.”
• For older children or teens: Invite them to write down one area of life where they feel unsure, discouraged, or weak. Then ask, “How might God’s strength meet you there?” Encourage them to journal a short prayer asking for insight and courage.
• As a family: Choose a time this week to read Ephesians 6:10 to 18 together. Afterward, let each person select one piece of armor to focus on throughout the week. Pray together, asking God to clothe your family in His strength and truth.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that we do not have to be strong on our own. You have already given us everything we need. Help us to put on the whole armor of God you have given and to see clearly where the real battle lies. Make us strong, steady, and ready, not because we are powerful, but because You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.