Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Eph. 6:10)
Expanded Passage: Ephesians 6:10
In J. R. R Tolkien’s book The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Frodo and Sam were at the end of their journey. After a long adventure and many battles, they were facing their most intense challenge—it was time for Frodo to destroy the one ring. But the task had become too much for him. He fell under the weight of the burden. Knowing that Frodo could no longer carry on, Sam spoke one of my favorite lines of the entire movie and book: “Come, Mr. Frodo! I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you.”
As Christians, we are in a spiritual war, and this war is not against flesh and blood. Every believer goes through spiritual trials and challenges. And there may be a time when you find yourself in the heat of a spiritual battle, and it feels as if you can no longer carry on. The apostle Paul understood this fight, and in his final thoughts to the Ephesians, he provided a source of encouragement and strength for every believer.
In this letter, Paul had been writing and teaching on how to live like Christ. “Finally,” he says, “be strong in the Lord.” During your spiritual journey, allow God and his strength to empower you and carry you.
Rely on God’s strength to carry you.
Andrew Christman is a proud veteran of the US Army and serves as a hospital chaplain in Columbia, South Carolina. He is a graduate of Wesley Seminary (IN) and an ordained Wesleyan pastor.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
