Strongholds

…the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds ….

2 Corinthians 10:2

My father flew a B17 bomber during WWII. His flight instructions focused on the destruction of the enemies’ strongholds—warehouses stocked with ammunition. I, too, have encountered strongholds, and seen how Satan uses them for neutralizing my influence for God’s Kingdom.

Though I previously considered strongholds solely as resistant sinful behaviors, Paul’s definition of strongholds provides a much broader definition. Paul includes human reasoning, false arguments, rebellious thoughts, or any obstacle that keeps me from knowing God—my false thinking patterns. Different Bible translations describe strongholds as imaginations, pretensions, lofty opinions, or warped philosophies*.

Based upon this biblical definition, believing failure to be beyond God’s redemptive grace, self-deprecating thoughts, and chronic negative attitudes qualify as strongholds. This sobering awareness challenges me to carefully evaluate any thinking pattern that limits my ability to know God as He truly is.

Paul also offers instruction for tearing down these strongholds with the armor God provides: claiming the truth of God’s Word, His righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and prayer (Ephesians 5:13-18 MSG).

One day Jesus will return and instantly demolish every personal stronghold. Until then, I will keep trusting Him to reveal and challenge distortions of truth, believing each day might be the day He returns and in the blink of an eye demolishes each and every stronghold!

Father, it is humbling to realize that believing lies of the enemy creates a stronghold of the enemy in my life. Thank You for providing a way to attack these areas in the power of Your Holy Spirit made available through Your Son, Jesus. I trust You for victories and anticipate with joy the day I will be totally free in eternity! I pray in the name of Jesus, Your stronghold breaking Son, amen.

*Blue Letter Bible App

Linda Lesniewski