Fighting Strongholds

Last Sunday our pastor preached on learning to fight strongholds. It was both convicting and motivating. As I've been challenged and reminded lately to live life to it's fullest, I realize that fighting the strongholds in your life is part of the process. I'll hit some of the high points of the message, although you should really listen to the entire thing if possible.

First, it's important to realize that the life of being a Christian is war--it involves fighting. I know this is not what we're traditionally taught growing up, but it's true. We're called to be continually fighting our strongholds, or the areas in our lives with which we are always struggling. Everyone has them, and they're different for each person. (Just like belly buttons) :) The danger, however, comes when you are unable to identify these areas, because that means you are definitely not fighting them. And if you're not fighting the enemy, that means he is living among you. The official definition of a stronghold is 'a place that has been fortified against attack,' which means these are the places in your life that when YOU go to attack them, they offer strong and often successful resistance. That is not to say that they cannot be defeated--only that it will be a hard and continuous battle.

There are many possible reasons or causes for strongholds, but most often it has to do with us and our desire to fulfill and satisfy our cravings, whether it's for work, food, drugs, whatever. It is possible for us to unintentionally create an environment that is favorable to strongholds. 1 Peter 5:8-9 warns us to be watchful, because "your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." He has lots of options to pick from, seeing as everyone has a stronghold. But Satan is not looking for just anyone. He's looking for those who are ripe-those he can devour. When we don't fight for ourselves and resist strongholds, we are making ourselves ripe and ready to be devoured.

The best way to start fighting a stronghold is to identify it, which shouldn't be hard since it will be something that is a continual struggle. Also, realize that whatever you make yourself available to will be what rules you. For example, the mind. If you make yourself available to your thoughts, ideas, fantasies, etc., they will start to take over. Also, you must make sure you are thinking accurately about your life. Are you a workaholic? Is that your stronghold? If so, remind yourself that your email is not as important as your soul. We let things take over because they are what we want, but they are definitely not what we need. Lastly, make sure you're prepared to fight each day. Pray on the armor of God each morning, realizing that Satan started the day ready to fight. And if he's ready and you're not, the probability of you losing is much higher.

It's both powerful and discouraging to know that this is what is happening on a daily basis, but it's better to be aware and ready to fight than allow Satan to hinder you from experiencing God's glory or discourage you by using the strongholds in your life. It's pretty powerful stuff, and there is so much more that I'm not going to take the time to write about here. Actually, these are only notes from the last part of the 3-part series. Check out the entire sermon or series on the website when you have time. It's definitely one of the first steps in winning the battle. After all, the first step is admitting you have a problem. :) :)

(http://www.lakeviewchristiancenter.com/messages/) -Both the notes and sermon are provided, so you should be good to go. Enjoy!