By Teri O.
STRONG IN THE LORD is a devotional based on Ephesians 6:10-18. Each armor piece is explored through identity in Christ, spiritual formation, and daily dependence on God.
Book Description
Whether we’re struggling to keep up with daily demands or walking through a difficult season, life has a way of exposing our human weakness. Culture tells us to look within ourselves for empowerment, but Scripture reminds us that the strength we truly need can’t be mustered up. In fact, the more we rely on our own strength, the more aware of our weaknesses we become.
Rooted in the apostle Paul’s teaching from Ephesians 6:10–18, this 30-day devotional invites readers to discover lasting strength by putting on the armor of God. Each day features a key Bible verse, devotional reflection, guided response questions, and closing prayer. As readers explore each piece of the armor, they’ll be equipped to stand firm in faith and draw near to the Lord, no matter their current circumstance.
Review
STRONG IN THE LORD: A 30‑Day Devotional on the Armor of God is a biblically grounded, theologically rich devotional built around Ephesians 6:10-18. The goal is to help readers “stand firm in faith” by understanding the spiritual battle, knowing the enemy, and learning how to put on each piece of God’s armor.
In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul describes the “full armor of God” as a set of spiritual defenses believers should put on to stand against the schemes of the devil. This book includes a chapter on each of the six main pieces of armor:
- Belt of truth – Keeps the rest of the armor in place and grounds us in God’s truth.
- Breastplate of righteousness – Protects the chest, symbolizing living righteously before God.
- Shoes of the gospel of peace – Represent readiness and preparedness for service.
- Shield of faith – Extinguishes the “flaming arrows” of evil.
- Helmet of salvation – Keeps our minds focused on God’s deliverance.
- Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God, used to fight spiritual battles.
Despite the battle armor theme, STRONG IN THE LORD is a gentle, reflective book. The devotions move through Ephesians 6:10-18 slowly and gradually over the course of 30 days or at your own pace. The devotional readings are short and easy to read, which is good for people with busy schedules.
The book includes reflections, responses, and prayers to help readers apply each piece of the armor of God in daily life, with encouragement for staying strong in the Lord. At its core, this book teaches that true inner strength comes from God, not self‑empowerment. Refreshingly the opposite of most self-improvement books!
The book was edited by Winfree Brisley, with contributions from several trusted female Christian voices including Melissa Kruger, Courtney Doctor, Katie Faris, Cassie Achermann, Ashley Anthony, Betsy Childs Howard, Elizabeth Woodson, Beverly Berrus, and Megan Hill. These contributors are all known for their work in women’s discipleship and biblical teaching.
I didn’t realize when I ordered STRONG IN THE LORD that it was written with women in mind – this is reflected in the feminine cover design and family-oriented anecdotes – and it’s true that we have plenty of our own battles to fight! I’m just saying that even though “the armor of God” in Ephesians 6:10-18 is for everyone, guys will want to buy a bolder book with practical battle tactics more geared to men.
