We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT
Following
General Robert E. Lee, General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson was the best-known
Confederate general of the American Civil War.
Military
historians consider Stonewall one of the most gifted tactical commanders in
United States history. According to those present, he stood like a stone wall
at the First Battle of Bull Run and thereby received his nickname.
Unfortunately, Confederate pickets accidentally shot him at the Battle of
Chancellorsville. Although he survived the amputation of his arm, the stone
wall died shortly thereafter from complications of pneumonia.
Like a vice
grip, strongholds grip and won’t release. Strongholds include quick tempers,
chemical addictions, doubt, anger, negativism, gossiping, fear, and any number
of other negative emotions or actions. Initially, the issue may not be sinful,
but Satan slips in, tweaks it a bit, and before long turns it into what the
word says: a strong hold.
By neglect,
unbelief, or sinful adventures, we let Satan ensnare us. Like a vice grip, he
clamps down on some area of our lives and erects a wall that appears
insurmountable. Though he isn’t omniscient, he learns our weaknesses through
temptations and simply watching our lifestyles. In time, he knows exactly what
stronghold to erect.
Fortunately, we’re
not left helpless. God gives us mighty weapons to break down these strongholds.
In prayer, we’re assured of God’s presence and power. As we delve into his
Word, we see promises that he can and will deliver if we trust him. We also
read of others for whom he’s done the same. By associating with Christian
friends, we’re encouraged and held accountable. We hear their stories of
similar struggles and how God has freed them. God’s indwelling Spirit gives us
the peace of knowing that we’re God’s children and that he cares for us. If we
listen closely, he’ll also clue us in on creative ways we can use to defeat our
strongholds.
Give your
strongholds to God and let him show you how to tear them down.
Prayer: God
of power and grace, we claim Your promise that Your weapons are muscular enough
to tear down whatever our strongholds might be.
Tweetable: What has a strong hold on you?
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