Strongholds

Have you ever seen a structure like the one in the background of this picture before? That castle-like structure is called a STRONGHOLD. Otherwise known as a fortress or fort, a stronghold is oftentimes built during battles or a time of war. It’s purpose is to provide safety and shelter. It’s used as a defensive tool, to protect and guard the people who are in it away from the enemy and any other unwanted guests. A stronghold us usually really tall and impenetrable.

In this world, there is a war or battle going on between God and Satan– between good and evil. The battle is over our souls. And the battlefield is in our minds. During this “spiritual/mental warfare,” many of us set up strongholds as a safeguard to protect ourselves. But the strongholds we build can either be used to protect us from evil, or protect us from good. Strongholds that guard us against lies and keep us free from captivity are called godly strongholds, and strongholds that cause us to fight against the truth, and thus become oppressed in our minds are called demonic strongholds.

God, who is the Spirit of truth is actually our ally, and the devil, who is the father of all lies is our enemy. When being attacked with a lie from the enemy, we have to be on the defense, and hide in God, who is our stronghold. But when trying to save someone who is in bondage to a lie, we have to tear down their demonic stronghold, or defense, with the truth, which is God’s word.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us, “…(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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…”

2 Samuel 22:3 says, “My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, You save me from violence.”

Examples of a Demonic Stronghold:

Messenger: You know you shouldn’t be having sex with him because that’s not your husband.

Prisoner of the Demonic Stronghold: You don’t know what you’re talking about! JoJo and I have been together for 4 years… That’s my boo; And he loves me!

Messenger: You know Jesus is the only way to heaven, right?

Prisoner of the Demonic Stronghold: Jesus is not Lord or savior. There are many different religions, And there are many ways to heaven!

Godly Strongholds:

Enemy: Let’s hook up.

Person with a Godly Stronghold: No! For it is written, “Marriage is honorable above all and the marriage bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”

Enemy: You should accept all religions as equals and coexist.

Person with a Godly Stronghold: No! For it is written, “God has given him a name that is above all names, that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and tongue shall confess that he is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”