Do you have a stronghold in your life? What is a stronghold?

By definition it means a few things; a fortified place, a safe place, a secure place, a castle; and in the ancient greek it also means prison, or something someone heavily relies or depends on.

A stronghold in our lives is anything that exalts or builds itself up and pretends to be bigger or more powerful (more important) than God. A stronghold consumes our thoughts, dictates our attitudes and behaviors, and steals our focus and attention. It attempts to lead us and control us and gets us out of God’s willful plan and distracted by the plan of the world around us.

If we are to be in Christ and he is to be in us, shouldn’t we be led by the spirit and not by the world? Our mind (and thought-life) is the most challenging thing for us to control, and it’s also one of the easiest things the enemy uses against us, in order to control us. What is controlling us? What are we being led by? What are we allowing ourselves to be led by?

Can we deal with these things in our human ability? Have we bought into the lies and deception of what’s true, true about ourselves, and true about God’s plan for us? What is the enemy holding your captive with? How is he using your mind to control you? What stronghold (prison of your mind) do you want freedom from today?

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Ephesians 6:12
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

So how then do we fight this fight?

Ephesians 6:14-18
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.