Text: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
What is a stronghold?
A stronghold is something almost impossible to conquer. A stronghold is a sin or a lifestyle from which you cannot free yourself. A stronghold is a wrong thought scheme based on lies and deception. One of the main weapons of the devil is deception, as they are the building blocks of a stronghold. What strongholds can do is make us think so as to block us from the best of God.
A stronghold is an area in which we are held in bondage or in prison because of a certain way of thinking.
Whether you like it or not, you are at war. In fact, the Apostle Paul called the Christian life; according to 1 Timothy 6:12 “a good fight of faith”.
The source of every spiritual battle you wage is rooted in one of these three things: the world, your flesh, and the devil. And, a large part of each battle takes place in your mind.
God places great importance on your mind, and He created you in such a way that you will always go in the direction of your dominant thoughts. The Bible says in Proverbs 23: 7, “Because as a man thinks in his heart, so he is.” What do you think and how does it affect all areas of your life.
The way you think is definitely the way you live your life. Your thoughts will literally shape your habits and then will control your life. God’s intention is that all of your thoughts and actions will be influenced by his words. Jesus said in Luke 4: 4 that Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. This is what God says should be normal for us.
Most people think their way of thinking is “normal”, but it is not necessarily the case. Our culture, our traditions, how we were raised and the things we live fill us with thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. Unfortunately, many of them are far from what God says is normal.
The apostle Paul explains how God has equipped us to deal with thoughts that do not correspond to His Word. He also said for the weapons of our war are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and everything that stands against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought in captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10: 4-5).
We must take every captive thought to the obedience of Christ. This means that we have to reject certain thoughts that come to our minds. These thoughts that we have refused to reject can become strongholds in our lives.
Strongholds are the result of bad thoughts or beliefs that have taken hold in your life. They are contrary to the thoughts of God and are most often inspired by the devil’s lies which are lies that you believe in yourself, God or others and all this gives the devil a stronghold on your actions, behaviours, and habits. The more firmly you believe these lies, the stronger the hold.
Romans 12: 2 says you should not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
You see, the way you are transformed, the way you change your behaviour is not only done through prayer. It is possible to pray a thousand prayers, but if you do not renew your mind, your behaviour will not change. If you do not change how you think, you will not change how you act, because as you think in your heart, so are you.
How Can You Pull Down Strongholds?
Here are some steps you can take in pulling down strongholds:
a) Ask God to show you the lie you have believed.
b) Repent of believing the lie and receive God’s forgiveness.
c) Ask God to show you the truth.
d) Believe the truth and exercise your will to choose His ways over yours.
As God speaks to your heart, here are some things to remember:
• Allow the Holy Spirit to make God’s Word a reality in your heart and mind.
• Meditate on how this Word applies to your life.
• Place yourself in agreement with what God says about you (see yourself as God sees you).
• Let what God says be your new normal.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 23:29, God says: Is not My Word like a fire…and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? As you meditate on God’s Word, it will burn down and break apart the wrong thoughts and lies of the enemy that you have believed. When you change what you believe, you will change what you do. As you are thinking in your heart, so will you be. You can pull down strongholds!