A Letter of Encouragement in the Evil Day (Eph 6:10-13)

Friend,

I know you must be worn down by the constant attacks that appear to be coming from all sides. No doubt, there is a weariness of soul and discouragement that at times seems like it will never lift, but as I thought about you and your circumstances, the Lord brought this passage to my mind. I pray it will be an encouragement to you. Ephesians 6:10-13 says,

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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

If you notice the passage talks about being able to stand on the "day of evil”; the day of evil, or evil day, usually is not one day but a season--a season when Satan has been allowed to attack his saints full throttle and in a variety of ways. Job had an evil day--a period of testing that touched his finances, family, friends, and body and most importantly his faith.

It is good to remember in the text, that it is not your might in which you are called to be strong but the Lord's might. This is an admonition to draw closer to him more than ever in Scripture study, disciplined prayer, church, and fellowship with encouraging saints. Without his strength, it will be increasing difficult to stand in this season.

Also, it should be noted that you are not called to run, jump, or even conquer but just "stand." Satan wants to destroy your relationship with God and crumble your hope. He wanted Job to deny God. He wanted to destroy Peter's faith when he sought to sift him like wheat, therefore Christ prayed that his "faith would not fail" (Lk 22:31-32). Christ knew Peter would sin for he predicted it, but Peter's faith was what the real battle was over.

Friend, just stand your ground and don't let the devil pull you away from the Lord and trust in him. Many have gone through the evil day and never returned to God--they stopped coming to church, became bitter, and forsook their calling. Be sure that you stand, for you will be stronger because of the process.

Friend, be encouraged during your evil day and draw greatly from the well of our Lord's strength. He will empower you to stand. Be sure not to let Satan isolate you from God's people--for that is where a great amount of Christ's strength is found. Let us always remember that a great reservoir of Christ's strength is available amongst God's people. Find godly saints that you can pray with and receive wise counsel from; be committed even more so to the house of God for this is where Christ's body now exists. Make great use of it, for you will find it indispensable in this day, even as many saints before you.

It is also good to remember that after Job's trial God blessed him in an abundant way. It is good to remember after Joseph’s evil period of 15 years, he was exalted to second in command over Egypt and enabled to save many souls. After Peter’s evil day, he was called to return, strengthen the brethren, and to launch the beginning of the Church. Moses after 40 years in the wilderness was called to set Israel free. Jesus after 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the devil was anointed with the power of the Spirit and began the ministry that changed the world. The cross is always the pathway to the crown, which represents a greater atmosphere of service and favor with God. Remember this in your evil day, that you are being prepared for greater ministry and to be a greater blessing.

Friend, may God bless you and keep you. Trust him; he is faithful.

"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."