“…divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10: 4b
There are many strongholds that keep us prisoner, not allowing us to live life abundantly. You may not be aware of strongholds that keep you captive. Some are very subtle and you have grown use to them being there—they have become a way of life for you and not realizing that you are being robbed, you have allowed them to define who you are. But, don’t you see you have been “fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) by the Lord God.
It was the stronghold of fear that kept the Hebrews from entering the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb stood firm in the Lord, therefore, they took on the leadership to lead these rag-tag Hebrews to the fulfillment of their journey.
Joshua was filled with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. He heard God’s voice saying to him “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1: 9) Fear is a mighty stronghold, with it the Enemy has you paralyzed.
There are many other strongholds. Paul addresses them in the 4th chapter of Ephesians—they are anger, pride, evil talk, bitterness, gossip, silly and vulgar talk, greed, fornication, lies, drunkenness, holding a grudge, etc. In other words, anything opposing God’s will, which is disobedience to His word, is a stronghold. It separates you from all that is good and holds you hostage to an unfulfilled life. But, these rebellious thoughts can be captured and overcome by turning to God through Jesus Christ.
Paul says in Ephesians 6 that you should put on the whole armor of God and clothe yourself with your new self. (Ephesians 4:24) So be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. (Ephesians 6:10) The war is not in the world, but in the Spirit. Evil can take your mind captive and make you think it is right. Grab hold of the golden ring, which is the Word of God, and never let go. Do not allow the lies of the Enemy overtake you. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God (Isaiah 41:10) and, “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary…” (Isaiah 40:31) These are words that God is whispering to your heart. Those who have ears let them hear.
Just as the walls that surrounded Jericho fell because of Joshua’s faith which he had also instilled in the Hebrews (Joshua 6), you too, will be able to break down the walls of the strongholds that are keeping you from all that you have been created to be. Leaning on the Lord allows all the walls of your stronghold to come tumbling down. Freedom is on the horizon for you.
Put on your new self and stand firm for God has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Wherever you are, He is—call upon Him—step out being clothed in the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10—20)
Dear Lord, keep me from succumbing to the strongholds that seek to keep me from You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Ephesians 6:13 Jeremiah 1:10 Hebrews 13:5
His Spirit Blogs 