DIVINE POWER TO DESTROY DESTRUCTIVE STRONGHOLDS
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds; casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
2 Cor. 10:4-5
The word “stronghold” is defined as “a place that is fortified [strengthened] so as to protect it against attack; a place where a particular cause or belief is strongly defended or upheld.” The Bible teaches that God is our stronghold; a strong tower against the enemy (2 Sam. 22:3, Ps. 61:3). Literally, strongholds are fortified walls built to keep the enemy outside, while protecting those who are inside; as in Joshua Chapter 6, Jericho was fenced with high walls…tightly closed where no one went out or came in. Figuratively, strongholds are prideful thoughts, theories, reasoning’s, and arguments set up in the mind which argues against the true knowledge of God. As Christ followers who love the Lord and seek to please Him, we do not intentionally set out to reason or structure our lives in opposition to the truth of God’s Word. However, without the help of the Holy Spirit, the senses are inclined to lean toward theories, reasoning’s, and philosophies that can be understood and explained; consequently, engaged in constant battle against the truth of God’s Word. Yes, mental battles surface, but it is the believer’s privilege to use godly weapons of prayer, reading, studying and meditating on the Scriptures to increasingly intensify the effectiveness of God’s divine power within that stands against destructive thoughts. As believers in Christ you and I are equipped with the necessary power to purposefully lead and direct our thoughts away from sensual impulses. Then through God’s divine power, once the walls or “strongholds” of the natural senses are torn down, the door of the heart, which is surrendered to Christ, is supernaturally opened to believe, receive and live out God’s truth.