William Gurnall in The Christian in Complete Armour writes that the doctrine of this phrase in Ephesians 6:10 is "that the Christian's strength lies in the Lord, not in himself." (p 18). He goes on to point out that "there must be renewing strength from heaven every moment."(p 19)
The Christians duty in prayer and Bible reading are means to receiving the strength but not the source. God is the source! Sometimes we talk about prayer making a difference yet it is God to whom are prayer is directed that makes the difference. Gurnall cites David's prayer in Psalm 138:3 "On the Day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased"(ESV) Gurnall then writes, "David received it in duty, but had it not from his duty, but from his God. He did not pray himself strong, but God strengthened him in his prayer."(emphasis his p 20).
Let us not become proud in our duty of prayer and Bible reading as if our discipline gives us strength. Let us not neglect these duties knowing that they are God's appointed means to lay hold of the strength of God. May God's grace and strength empower us in the battle.
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