THE INNER MAN MUST BE STRONG

THE INNER MAN MUST BE STRONG

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 3:14-21

Key Verse: “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.” — Ephesians 3:16 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 6:10; Romans 7:22; Romans 8:11; Colossians 1:11; Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 51:10; Galatians 5:16.

Description: This message teaches believers the necessity of spiritual strength in the inner man and how to receive and maintain the Holy Spirit's empowerment for victorious Christian living, steadfast faith, and fruitful service.

INTRODUCTION

Every building is only as strong as its foundation, and every tree depends on the strength of its roots to withstand storms. In the same way, the Christian life depends greatly on the condition of the inner man. The inner man refers to our inward spiritual life—our heart, faith, conscience, understanding, and relationship with God. Although people often concentrate on outward appearance, material possessions, physical strength, and public achievements, God places great importance on the condition of the heart.

In Ephesians 3:14-21, Apostle Paul kneels before the Father in prayer for the believers. Among his requests is that God would strengthen them with might by His Spirit in the inner man. Paul understands that believers need more than human determination to fulfil God's purpose. They need spiritual strength to resist temptation, endure tribulations, remain steadfast in faith, overcome discouragement, and continue serving the Lord faithfully. This strength comes through the Holy Spirit according to the riches of God's glory.

A person may be physically strong but spiritually weak; intellectually brilliant but morally unstable; financially successful but inwardly troubled. When the inner man is weak, even small challenges can produce fear, compromise, and discouragement. However, when the inner man is strengthened by the Holy Spirit, the believer can remain faithful under pressure and continue to grow in Christ. Therefore, we must not concentrate only on improving our outward circumstances; we must deliberately seek the strengthening of our inner spiritual life.

1. RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG INNER MAN

The condition of your inner man influences the way you respond to life's circumstances. Your thoughts, attitudes, convictions, desires, and spiritual disciplines affect your decisions and conduct. When the inner man is neglected, the believer becomes vulnerable to temptation, fear, confusion, and spiritual instability.

God desires His children to grow inwardly as well as outwardly. Spiritual maturity does not come merely through years of church attendance or occupying a position in ministry. It develops as we cultivate our relationship with God, receive His Word, depend on the Holy Spirit, and allow Him to transform our character.

a) Your inner strength determines your spiritual stability (Ephesians 6:10)

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” — Ephesians 6:10 (KJV).

Paul does not tell believers to depend exclusively on their natural ability. He instructs them to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. This means that spiritual stability comes from dependence on God rather than confidence in human strength.

When your inner man is strong, you are better equipped to withstand pressure without abandoning your convictions. You can face opposition without losing your faith and experience disappointment without concluding that God has forsaken you. Your circumstances may change, but your confidence in the Lord can remain firm.

b) Your inner man influences your outward conduct (Proverbs 4:23)

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23 (KJV).

The heart is central to our decisions, relationships, attitudes, and behaviour. What fills the heart eventually influences what comes out through our words and actions. If we continually feed our minds with fear, resentment, impurity, and ungodly ideas, these things can weaken our spiritual condition.

Conversely, when our hearts are filled with God's Word, faith, love, and godly convictions, our conduct increasingly reflects His character. We must therefore guard our hearts carefully and allow the Holy Spirit to deal with every attitude that contradicts God's will.

c) Your inner man must grow continually (2 Corinthians 4:16)

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” — 2 Corinthians 4:16 (KJV).

Paul recognises that the outward person experiences weakness, ageing, hardship, and other limitations. Nevertheless, the inward man can continue to experience renewal through God's grace. Physical difficulties do not have to destroy our spiritual vitality.

This verse teaches us that inward renewal must be a daily experience. We cannot rely only on yesterday's prayer, last year's revival, or an encounter we had many years ago. We need fresh fellowship with God, fresh submission to His Word, and fresh dependence on the Holy Spirit every day.

d) Your inner man prepares you to fulfil God's purpose (Colossians 1:10-11)

“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” — Colossians 1:11 (KJV).

God's strength is not given merely to make us feel powerful. It equips us to live worthy of the Lord, bear spiritual fruit, and endure challenges with patience and joy. Divine strength enables us to fulfil our responsibilities even when the journey becomes difficult.

A weak inner man may cause a person to abandon an assignment when difficulties arise. But a believer who depends on God's strength can persevere through seasons of delay, opposition, and uncertainty. Spiritual strength helps us to remain faithful until God's purpose is accomplished.

Biblical Example: David (1 Samuel 30:1-6)

When David returned to Ziklag and discovered that the city had been burned and his family taken captive, he and his men wept until they had no strength left to weep. David faced the additional threat of being stoned by his distressed followers. Yet the Bible says that David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. Instead of surrendering to despair, he sought God's direction and moved forward in faith. His experience shows the importance of drawing strength from God when outward circumstances are overwhelming.

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SOURCE OF INNER STRENGTH

Ephesians 3:16 makes it clear that believers are to be strengthened by God's Spirit. The strength required for victorious Christian living is not produced by human determination alone. We need the Holy Spirit to work within us, enlighten our understanding, renew our desires, strengthen our faith, and empower us to obey God.

Human discipline has its place, but it cannot replace divine empowerment. We may resolve to become more patient, faithful, prayerful, or holy, yet discover that our natural strength is insufficient. The Holy Spirit enables us to live beyond the limitations of our unaided human ability.

a) The Holy Spirit strengthens you according to God's riches (Ephesians 3:16)

“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.” — Ephesians 3:16 (KJV).

Notice that Paul points to the riches of God's glory as the measure of the strength He desires to grant. God's provision is not limited by our natural weakness. He has abundant resources of grace, wisdom, power, and faithfulness to sustain His people.

When you feel inadequate for an assignment, remember that God's ability is greater than your limitation. This does not mean that every difficulty will disappear immediately, but it means that you can seek His strength to respond faithfully. The Holy Spirit can sustain you through situations that would otherwise overwhelm you.

b) The Holy Spirit empowers you to overcome the flesh (Galatians 5:16)

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (KJV).

The flesh refers here to our fallen human inclinations that oppose God's will. Believers may experience temptation, but they do not have to surrender to every desire or impulse. The Holy Spirit empowers us to resist sin and choose the path of obedience.

Walking in the Spirit involves daily surrender, prayer, obedience to Scripture, and sensitivity to His leading. When temptation arises, we must not depend solely on willpower. We should turn to God, apply His Word, and take practical steps to avoid the occasions that repeatedly draw us into sin.

c) The Holy Spirit gives life and vitality to your spirit (Romans 8:11)

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” — Romans 8:11 (KJV).

The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in believers. This is a profound reminder of God's life-giving power. The Holy Spirit works in us to strengthen our spiritual lives and sustain our walk with Christ.

We should not interpret this promise as meaning that Christians will never experience physical weakness or illness. Rather, it assures us that the Spirit of God is actively at work in those who belong to Christ, sustaining their spiritual life and giving hope in the face of mortality. Our confidence rests in the resurrection power of God.

d) Divine strength is greater than human ability (Zechariah 4:6)

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” — Zechariah 4:6 (KJV).

God spoke these words to Zerubbabel as he faced the task of rebuilding the temple. The assignment could not be accomplished by human strength alone; God's Spirit was essential to its fulfilment.

Likewise, the work God has entrusted to you requires more than talent, education, experience, or personal connections. These may be useful instruments, but they must remain under God's direction. Depend on the Holy Spirit for wisdom in your decisions, grace in your relationships, courage in your challenges, and strength to fulfil your calling.

Biblical Example: Gideon (Judges 6:11-16, 34)

Gideon saw himself as weak and insignificant in comparison with the challenge facing Israel. Yet God called him to deliver His people and promised to be with him. When the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, he was empowered to act courageously. Gideon's story illustrates that God can strengthen people who recognise their limitations and depend on His presence.

3. STRENGTHEN YOUR INNER MAN THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD

The Word of God is essential to the development of spiritual strength. It reveals God's character, communicates His promises, corrects our thinking, and gives us wisdom for daily living. A believer who neglects Scripture may become increasingly vulnerable to deception, fear, and spiritual confusion.

The Word must do more than pass through our eyes or ears; it must take root in our hearts and influence our conduct. Reading the Bible without a willingness to obey it limits its practical effect in our lives. We grow stronger as we receive the truth, meditate on it, believe it, and apply it.

a) God's Word builds your faith (Romans 10:17)

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Romans 10:17 (KJV).

Faith grows as we hear and receive the Word of God. When we consistently expose our hearts to Scripture, we become better acquainted with God's promises, His faithfulness, and His expectations for His people.

Faith does not mean denying the existence of problems. It means trusting God's character and Word in the midst of them. When fear tells you that you cannot continue, Scripture reminds you of God's faithfulness. When circumstances seem uncertain, the Word gives you a firm foundation for trust and obedience.

b) God's Word provides spiritual nourishment (Matthew 4:4)

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4 (KJV).

Just as the physical body needs food, the spiritual life requires nourishment from God's Word. A believer cannot expect to remain spiritually vibrant while continually neglecting the truth that sustains faith and guides conduct.

Establish a regular pattern of Bible reading and meditation. Read thoughtfully, ask what the passage teaches about God, identify what it requires of you, and put its instruction into practice. Spiritual nourishment is not measured merely by how many chapters you read, but also by how faithfully you respond to what God has said.

c) God's Word strengthens you against temptation (Psalm 119:11)

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psalm 119:11 (KJV).

The psalmist understood the value of storing God's Word in the heart. Scripture provides truth that can challenge sinful desires, correct false reasoning, and remind us of our responsibility to obey God.

Memorising Scripture can be especially helpful when temptation comes suddenly. However, knowing verses alone is not enough; we must submit to their authority. When God's Word exposes an attitude or habit that is wrong, we must be willing to repent and take practical steps towards obedience.

d) God's Word gives you hope in difficult seasons (Romans 15:4)

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” — Romans 15:4 (KJV).

Scripture records God's dealings with His people so that we may learn from their experiences and be encouraged by His faithfulness. The stories of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and others remind us that challenges do not prevent God from fulfilling His purposes.

When you face delay, disappointment, or opposition, do not allow discouraging voices to become the only influence on your heart. Return to the Word of God. Let it remind you of His character, correct your perspective, and encourage you to persevere in faith and obedience.

Biblical Example: Jesus in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)

When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He responded by declaring the truth of Scripture. He did not submit to the tempter's suggestions or attempt to satisfy His desires outside the Father's will. Jesus' example teaches us to know God's Word, trust its authority, and apply it faithfully when temptation comes.

4. MAINTAIN A STRONG INNER MAN THROUGH PRAYER

Prayer is an essential means of fellowship with God and dependence on His strength. Through prayer, we bring our burdens before the Lord, seek wisdom, confess our sins, intercede for others, and receive grace to continue in obedience. A prayerless life often becomes a life that depends excessively on human reasoning and ability.

Prayer does not force God to obey our desires. Rather, it brings our hearts before Him so that we may receive His help and align ourselves with His will. The more consistently we cultivate sincere fellowship with God, the better equipped we become to face life's challenges in faith.

a) Pray for spiritual strength, not only material blessings (Ephesians 3:16-17)

Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3 focuses on the inward strengthening of believers, followed by Christ dwelling in their hearts by faith. This teaches us that our prayer life must include more than requests for money, promotion, healing, protection, or open doors.

We should also ask God to strengthen our character, increase our faith, deepen our love, and empower us to obey Him. Material blessings may improve our circumstances, but inward strength equips us to honour God in every circumstance. Make spiritual growth a regular subject of prayer.

b) Pray with perseverance (Luke 18:1)

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” — Luke 18:1 (KJV).

Jesus taught His disciples the importance of persistent prayer. There are seasons when answers appear delayed, circumstances remain difficult, and emotions become weary. During such times, we must not allow discouragement to destroy our fellowship with God.

Perseverance in prayer does not mean that every request will be answered in the precise way or at the time we expect. It means that we continue trusting God's wisdom, bringing our needs before Him, and remaining faithful while we wait. Prayer strengthens our dependence on God and helps us avoid surrendering to despair.

c) Pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20)

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” — Jude 20 (KJV).

Jude connects prayer in the Holy Spirit with building ourselves up in faith. Prayer should not be merely a mechanical repetition of words; it should be an expression of dependence on God and responsiveness to His Spirit.

As we pray, we should ask the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts according to God's will. In Pentecostal practice, this includes praying in the Spirit as the Lord enables, while also praying with understanding and grounding our requests in Scripture. Our goal is deeper fellowship with God and greater faithfulness to His purposes.

d) Prayer prepares you to resist temptation (Matthew 26:41)

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Matthew 26:41 (KJV).

Jesus gave this instruction to His disciples in Gethsemane. They desired to remain faithful, but their human weakness made them vulnerable to failure. Jesus therefore instructed them to watch and pray.

Prayer helps us recognise our dependence on God before temptation overwhelms us. It should be accompanied by spiritual vigilance and practical wisdom. If a particular environment, habit, or relationship repeatedly leads you towards sin, pray for strength and take responsible steps to avoid that danger.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:10-23)

Daniel maintained his regular pattern of prayer even when a royal decree made prayer dangerous. He did not abandon his devotion to God to protect his position or life. His steadfastness demonstrated a spiritually disciplined heart. When the crisis came, he continued trusting God. Daniel's example teaches us that a strong inner man is developed through consistent fellowship with God before the day of testing arrives.

5. DEVELOP SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES THAT SUSTAIN YOUR STRENGTH

Spiritual strength must be cultivated intentionally. Just as muscles develop through consistent exercise, our spiritual lives grow through regular practices that keep us attentive to God. These disciplines do not earn salvation, but they help us cooperate with God's work in our lives.

Many believers desire extraordinary strength during a crisis but neglect the daily habits that prepare them for difficult seasons. We must not wait until trouble comes before we begin to pray, study Scripture, fellowship with believers, or examine our conduct. A strong inner man is built through a consistent life of faithfulness.

a) Practise daily self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24)

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” — Psalm 139:23–24 (KJV).

David invited God to examine his heart and reveal anything that needed correction. This is an important spiritual discipline because we may become accustomed to attitudes or behaviours that hinder our relationship with God.

Regular self-examination should be prayerful rather than condemning. Ask the Lord to reveal pride, resentment, dishonesty, impatience, or neglected responsibilities. When He exposes an area that needs attention, respond with repentance and practical change rather than excuses.

b) Practise self-control and discipline (1 Corinthians 9:27)

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” — 1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV).

Paul understood the importance of discipline in the Christian life. Spiritual desire must be accompanied by deliberate choices that help us remain faithful. We cannot continually indulge every appetite and expect to maintain a strong and disciplined spiritual life.

Self-control may involve setting aside time for prayer, limiting distractions, managing our speech, avoiding harmful influences, and fulfilling our responsibilities faithfully. We should depend on the Holy Spirit while taking practical responsibility for our habits and decisions.

c) Remain connected to godly fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25)

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV).

God has provided the fellowship of believers as a means of encouragement and spiritual growth. Through worship, teaching, prayer, accountability, and mutual service, Christians can help one another remain steadfast.

Isolation can make it easier for discouragement and temptation to grow unchecked. Seek fellowship with mature believers who encourage you to follow Christ faithfully. Be willing to receive godly correction and offer encouragement to others who are facing difficulties.

d) Practise obedience in everyday matters (James 1:22)

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” — James 1:22 (KJV).

Spiritual strength grows as we respond to God's Word with obedience. It is possible to listen to many sermons, read Christian books, and possess extensive biblical knowledge without allowing the truth to change our behaviour.

Begin with the instructions God has already made clear. Speak truthfully, fulfil your promises, forgive others, act with integrity, honour your responsibilities, and treat people with respect. Every act of obedience provides an opportunity to demonstrate that Christ's lordship is real in your life.

Biblical Example: Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12-16)

Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example in speech, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. He also instructed him to give attention to reading, exhortation, doctrine, and the faithful use of his gift. Timothy's example illustrates that spiritual growth requires consistent devotion, disciplined service, and attention to both character and teaching.

6. REMAIN STRONG IN THE INNER MAN DURING TRIALS

A strong inner man does not mean that a believer never experiences sorrow, fear, weariness, or disappointment. It means that these experiences do not have to destroy the believer's trust in God. Spiritual strength enables us to process pain honestly while continuing to depend on the Lord.

Some of the greatest tests of spiritual strength arise when prayers appear unanswered, opposition increases, or responsibilities become overwhelming. In such moments, we must remember that our strength comes from God's Spirit and that His grace is sufficient to sustain us. We can experience weakness without surrendering our faith.

a) Do not allow outward troubles to destroy inward faith (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)

Paul acknowledged that believers face affliction, yet he explained that their inward life could be renewed even while outward difficulties continued. He viewed temporary suffering in the light of God's eternal purposes.

This perspective does not minimise pain or suggest that every problem is easy to bear. Rather, it reminds us that our present difficulties do not have the final word over our lives. We can grieve, seek help, make wise decisions, and continue trusting God while looking towards the eternal hope He has promised.

b) Receive God's strength in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV).

Paul learned that God's grace could sustain him even when a difficulty remained. The Lord did not promise to remove every hardship immediately; He promised that His grace was sufficient. This reveals that divine strength may be experienced through endurance as well as deliverance.

When you reach the limits of your natural ability, do not assume that your situation is hopeless. Bring your weakness honestly before God. Seek His grace, receive appropriate support, and take the next faithful step. God's power is not restricted by your inability to manage everything on your own.

c) Wait on the Lord for renewed strength (Isaiah 40:29-31)

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” — Isaiah 40:29 (KJV).

God does not despise those who feel exhausted. He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of those who have no might. Waiting on the Lord involves trusting Him, seeking His presence, and refusing to abandon faith because the journey has become demanding.

Waiting may require patience, wise action, and the willingness to receive help from others. It is not passive resignation. As we continue looking to God, He can renew our courage and enable us to keep moving forward in obedience.

d) Stand firm in faith when opposition comes (1 Peter 5:8-10)

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” — 1 Peter 5:10 (KJV).

Peter acknowledges that believers may experience suffering, but he also points to the God of all grace, who strengthens and establishes His people. Opposition is real, but it does not mean that God has abandoned His children.

When difficulties arise, remain watchful, resist the devil, seek godly support, and continue in faith. Do not allow one painful season to make you abandon the convictions that have sustained your Christian life. God is able to strengthen you and establish you as you remain dependent on Him.

Biblical Example: Job (Job 1:20-22; 2:9-10; 19:25-27)

Job suffered devastating losses and experienced deep grief. He did not understand everything that had happened, and his journey included painful questions. Nevertheless, he continued to engage with God and expressed confidence in his Redeemer. Job's story reminds us that spiritual strength does not mean the absence of pain; it means continuing to turn towards God amid suffering and uncertainty.

CONCLUSION

The inner man must be strong because the Christian life requires spiritual stability, faithfulness, endurance, and continual dependence on God. Outward achievements cannot compensate for inward weakness, and human determination alone cannot produce the spiritual maturity God desires. The good news is that the Father has promised to strengthen His people by His Spirit according to the riches of His glory. Through His Word, prayer, obedience, godly fellowship, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, we can grow stronger in our inner lives day by day.

Therefore, make the condition of your inner man a priority. Do not wait for a crisis before seeking God. Build your spiritual life consistently, guard your heart, renew your mind with Scripture, and remain faithful when trials come. If you are weary, turn to the Lord for renewed strength. If you have become spiritually careless, return to the disciplines that nurture your faith. May the Holy Spirit strengthen you within, establish you in Christ, and empower you to fulfil God's purpose with endurance and joy.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, strengthen me with might by Your Spirit in my inner man, and let my spiritual life become strong, stable, and fruitful in Jesus name.

2. Holy Spirit, empower me to overcome every temptation, sinful desire, fear, and weakness that seeks to hinder my walk with God in Jesus name.

3. Father, renew my heart and mind through Your Word, and establish my faith upon the truth of Your promises in Jesus name.

4. Lord, restore my hunger for prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship with You, and help me to remain spiritually alert every day in Jesus name.

5. Father, deliver me from spiritual laziness, inconsistency, discouragement, and every habit that weakens my devotion to You in Jesus name.

6. Lord Jesus, give me grace to remain faithful during trials, patient during delays, and courageous when I face opposition in Jesus name.

7. Holy Spirit, develop Your fruit in my life and empower me to demonstrate love, patience, humility, purity, and self-control in Jesus name.

8. Father, teach me to depend on Your strength rather than my own ability, and help me to fulfil every responsibility You have entrusted to me in Jesus name.

9. Lord, surround me with godly relationships and spiritual encouragement that will help me grow in faith and remain steadfast in Your Word in Jesus name.

10. Father, strengthen my inner man continually, establish me in Christ, and empower me to finish my Christian race faithfully and fulfil Your purpose for my life in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall be strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit in your inner man, and your spiritual life shall grow in stability, maturity, and faithfulness in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. You shall not be overcome by fear, temptation, or discouragement, for you shall learn to depend on the strength and grace that God supplies in the mighty name of Jesus.

3. Your faith shall be firmly established in the Word of God, and the storms of life shall not easily move you away from your confidence in Christ in the mighty name of Jesus.

4. You shall grow in prayer, understanding, and fellowship with God, and your relationship with Him shall become deeper and more consistent in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. You shall receive grace to overcome destructive habits and ungodly influences, and your conduct shall increasingly reflect the character of Christ in the mighty name of Jesus.

6. When you face difficult seasons, you shall receive strength to persevere, wisdom to make sound decisions, and courage to continue in obedience in the mighty name of Jesus.

7. You shall not be destroyed by outward pressure, for the Lord shall renew your inner life and sustain your faith through every season in the mighty name of Jesus.

8. Your heart shall be guarded by the truth of God's Word, and your mind shall increasingly be filled with faith, peace, wisdom, and godly understanding in the mighty name of Jesus.

9. You shall become a source of spiritual encouragement to your family, your church, and the people God brings across your path in the mighty name of Jesus.

10. You shall grow stronger in the Lord day by day, remain steadfast in your calling, bear lasting spiritual fruit, and finish your race faithfully in the mighty name of Jesus.