Breaking Down Strongholds

      On the radio the other day, I heard a talk show host say that our country is embroiled in a "cold Civil War".  He went on to say that it is a clash of worldview where one side believes socialism is the answer to the woes of people and the other side says our freedoms are best protected through our capitalistic free enterprise system.  Indeed, we see this clash often played out on our streets in devastating ways with businesses being destroyed and people being injured.  Certainly things have radically changed in our country since the time I grew up, and it is a concern for all of us.  What will be the future for our children and our grandchildren?

      As I pondered these thoughts, a Scripture came to my mind:  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."  So what exactly are the weapons that Paul the Apostle is talking about here?  I believe they are prayer, the Word of God and worship.  These three elements are key to defeating the enemy of our soul...Satan.   Jesus Christ encountered this enemy when He spent forty days and forty nights in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13).  For every lie Satan threw at our Lord, our Savior came back with the truth of God's Word.  It is the Sword of the Spirit, and since the devil hates the truth, he left Jesus.  This is why knowing the Bible is so critical for a Christian.

     Paul went on to expound about who our foes are in this present age in Ephesian 6:12:  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  This is why he encouraged us to put on the full armor of God so we can be prepared for the mental and spiritual assaults we face in this fallen world.  However, the greatest tool in our war chest is prayer.  We engage with God and lay out our concerns before Him.  He is the sovereign over the universe and the One who places men and women in leadership according to His plan.  While He knows what we are about to pray for before we utter a word, the exercise of prayer builds our faith in Him.  Prayer moves mountains, and does break down the stronghold of lies.  We do not have the power but we know the One true God who has all power, wisdom, and insight.  Talking with Him daily means we are constantly chipping away at the strongholds of evil in our world, and one day, they will fall like the walls of Jericho.

     Finally, when we worship God whether it is through Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs or in a church service, we are putting God on the throne and driving away the devil.  There is something healing, powerful and soothing when we lift up the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  Whether I am driving to an appointment or working out on my stationary bike, I spend time praising and praying.  The enemy of our soul and his minions cannot stay in the presence of praise and prayer.  

     We know that we are citizens of Heaven and not of this world if we belong to Jesus Christ as our LORD and Savior.  Yet, He has us here to be salt and light in a very dark world just now.  If we really want to heal divisions and overcome the darkness in our world, we must use the weapons given to us by God:  prayer, The Bible and praise.  Paul told us who we are really fighting and he told us that they would bring down strongholds if used.  Let us be busy in this season of turmoil in utilizing what God has given to us and then, trust in Him for the results.  He will not fail us nor desert us.  His Word is truth!  Selah!