How strongholds work

Satan tries to set up strongholds based on lies in our lives in order for us to bow down to them as gods. Our enemy is ever distracting us away from worshiping the Lord. Our enemy wants people, places, or things to lord themselves over us. This prevents us from keeping Jesus as Lord in our hearts, minds, and lives. 

But if we persevere in doing as Christ wills us to do, we will eventually triumph. Make no mistake, it is a battle! Why? Because once we are secure in God’s love through worship of Him, there will be nothing we cannot do in His power and love! The enemy knows this.

So exactly how does the enemy set up strongholds in us? Usually, they start small, like a foothold first. This is where we need to be aware of what is happening and nip it in the bud immediately. If we don’t, it will grow and become a stronghold.

For example, let’s say you’ve been offended by someone. It doesn’t matter if it is a friend, foe, or stranger.

The enemy wants to use that offense in your life to get you riled up. If you don’t forgive immediately, he has a way in. The modus operandi of the enemy is always the same: to get you into bondage.

Christ sets free.  The enemy binds.

You feel it in your spirit when you move into anger, unforgiveness, resentment, and the like.  End it right there!  Do not give the enemy an opening into your life.  Do not let it become a stronghold.

We will have an enemy ever seeking to devour us throughout our earthly lives.  I wish it weren't so, but it's true.  Especially when you have set your heart to obey God and follow Him fully.  Look out!

It's not that we are to focus on the enemy.  But neither should we pretend as if he does not exist.  

God can make us spiritually aware of what is really happening in the spiritual realm.  But we must set our hearts to obey and please God first and foremost, not indulge our flesh.

Remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood.  This is so hard to wrap our minds around when it is people who hurt us.  

The enemy uses people - sometimes even other believers! - to trigger us.  But we don't have to fall prey to his schemes.

Look up!  Pray to be delivered from all ill feelings.  Confess any pride to God.  Pray for your persecutors (the devil absolutely hates this!).  Forgive and keep forgiving.  Don't wait until you "feel" like it, just do it as an act of obedience to Christ.  The devil will eventually flee.

Stronghold removed.  It never stood a chance, because you did right by God.

Raise up the standard of Christ.  Look to the cross.  Believe Jesus will deliver you.  Get on your knees and pray.  

The Lord wants to be the stronghold of our lives.  When He is our stronghold, we are protected, safe, secure, and truly nothing will harm us.

So which will you give yourself to?  The enemy is ever ready to set up strongholds of bondage in your life.  But the Lord is also ever ready to stand strong as your Advocate and Stronghold.  You have a choice.  As God's child, you are not a victim.

Be alert!  Stand strong!  The Victor of life stands ready to deliver you and break down any and all strongholds from your life that are not of Him.  Better yet, do not let the enemy's strongholds become strongholds in the first place.  

Keep Jesus as your Stronghold and be free!

Oh Lord. Give us eyes to see when the enemy is trying to gain ground in our lives.  It should be obvious, but it is not always so, as the enemy is sneaky and crafty.  But You, O God, are Almighty God!  Make us more and more sensitive to Your Holy Spirit so that we can nip any and all false strongholds in the bud before they take root.  Help us see our struggles as they are - not against other people, but as against the rulers and principalities waging war in the heavenly realm.  Be our Deliverer, Lord Jesus.  Win every battle for us.  And be our loving and all-powerful Stronghold.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.