“Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10 NIV

“Recognizing your lack is the door to God’s supply; asking for help is the key to God’s power.”

My thoughts today are about “the right tools for the right job.”

I am really not a very handy man around the house. Every time I tackle a fix-it job for my wife – after putting it off as long as tolerable – I find myself trying to do a good job too often with the wrong tools and inadequate know-how. That means it takes longer, is more frustrating, is done less well, and is no joy to do. (Just between you and me, on some occasions  – okay, maybe on most occasions – it has been less the fault of my tools, than the inexperience and inexpertise of the guy using them.) Know what I mean?

It seems logical to me that being successful at a task is more about knowing how something is supposed to work in order to restore it to working order, rather than trusting in sheer effort and determination. Here’s what I have learned: you can’t do a job well without the right tools and the knowledge of how to best use them.

That being true, why would you attempt a far more serious and eternally significant task without having the right tools? I speak of winning spiritual battles – such as resisting temptations, breaking habits, refusing disobedience – and trying to do so successfully in your own limited wisdom, strength, and resource? How many times do you try to work through a problem all by yourself? Without God’s help, why would you?

Recognizing your lack is the door to God’s ample supply; humbly asking for help is the key to God’s power. You don’t have to know it all, do it all, or be it all. You have a choice. The weakest as well as the strongest can be “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” to which Paul responded, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV.

Here is how you have the right tools for the job, whether everyday life or spiritual conflict. “As God’s chosen people . . clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience . . and the most important clothing you must wear is love.” Colossians 3:12-14 NLT. “Our struggle is . . against spiritual forces of evil. Therefore put on the full armor of God . . stand your ground . . stand firm . . take the word of God and pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” Read Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV.

My prayer for you today is: know what you face and don’t face it without God’s help.