One of Satan’s greatest victories is not getting believers to commit some outward sin—it is convincing them to believe a lie. The battlefield is the mind, and every spiritual stronghold begins with a thought that has been accepted as truth. Satan builds his strongholds one lie at a time and God tears them down one truth at a time.
A stronghold (ochuroma) is a deception that has taken hold in a person’s mind; an incorrect thinking pattern based on a believed lie. Strongholds can come in the form of deceptions or accusations. Accusations always lead to guilt and the feeling of unworthiness, which weighs you down and tears you apart spiritually. And since strongholds are built upon lies that we have been fed, the way we tear them down is by stop eating the lie and begin feeding on the truth (God’s Word), which is the opposite of what the enemy has been feeding us.
We can get incorrect perceptions of God by listening to Satan as he tells us how God doesn’t love us, etc. He can make us feel like dirty old sinners when we believe his accusations as he continually tries to remind us of our past (which has been washed away). Remember, Satan is called “the accuser of the brethren.” His accusations are intended to make you focus on what you were instead of who you now are in Christ. God never asks you to live from your past; He calls you to walk in the new life He has already given you.
2 Cor 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 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;
The sword of the Spirit is not merely a defensive weapon—it is an offensive weapon. Jesus demonstrated its power in the wilderness. Every temptation was answered with, “It is written.” He did not argue with Satan or debate his accusations. He answered every lie with the truth of God’s Word.
The next time the enemy whispers, “God doesn’t love you,” answer with Scripture. When he says, “You’ll never change,” answer with Scripture. When he reminds you of your past, remind him of the cross. Every lie loses its power when it is confronted with God’s truth.
Strongholds are the devil’s main assets in this war and the only way to defeat them is to take up the sword of the Spirit and start lashing out against his false accusations.
The battle is not fought in your circumstances; it is fought in your mind. Win the battle there, and your walk with God will begin to reflect the victory that Christ has already won.
PS – Pastor Moses’ youngest daughter, Grace, had some medical issues. The doctor has it under control but Moses needs some financial assistance. The hospital visit was $150 and Moses was able to cover $50. He needs $100 to cover this visit and another $150 for a follow up. If you can help out with the $250 just use our paypal account … Donate. And as always, your continued support is greatly appreciated.
