The definition of a stronghold that we’re using is:

“Mindset
impregnated with hopelessness
that forces us to accept as unchangeable
situations we know are contrary to the will of God.”

Last week we unpacked this definition and this week we outline the five characteristics to help us identify a stronghold in your life:

Located in your mind
Made up of good thoughts & intentions
Develops in your strengths
Activated by trauma and detonated by crisis
Creates a double mind

The battle for truth and the knowledge of God starts in your mind. This is where the first battle is fought against the enemy. So, expect your thoughts to come into conflict with the Word of God. The insidious characteristic of a stronghold is that it can spring from good thoughts and intentions where the enemy of God’s best is “good enough.” Your enemy would want you to settle at mediocrity when God wants the very best. Also, recognizing and operating in your strengths that come from God can also be used against you when it feeds your ego. It’s in your pride that you are susceptible to not allowing God into your life because “you have it all under control.” Life is not without its challenges, trauma or crises and it’s in these moments that a stronghold can take root. During this holiday season gathering with family and loved ones can be a blessing or something we loathe, depending on past hurts. Past hurts are rich soil for a stronghold to take root. When a stronghold takes root in your life your mind is filled with speculation that’s not from God and creates a conflict between God’s truth and best against what you alone define as truth and the best.