Devotional Reading: 2 Kings 24, 2 Kings 25

In war and rumors of war, society looks for someone to blame. God wants us to remember that evil rulership is a stronghold to the people. Strongholds are things (or people who) that “bunker” in [against you] (Joyce Meyer). These bunkers may restrict your physical body. Most importantly, they war against your mind.

The tragedies described in today’s reading were the result of disobedience to God. The wickedness of Manasseh was so egregious that he roused the anger of God and inspired wrath on an entire people. (2 Kings 24:3 – 4).

Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible calls this, “..the consequence of unheard-of rebellions and provocations against the Majesty of heaven.”

God is the adversary of the wicked who perpetuate the strongholds that bear down against His righteous law. He will defend His anointed; and will recompense the shedding of innocent blood (2 Kings 18:25).

What you need to know about strongholds, is that God has victory; and He has it to give. When you bear the cross of God’s will – meaning that you sacrifice your will for His, you give your obedience  which is better than any sacrifice you could make (I Samuel 15:22).

God gives tools to the righteous to combat strongholds. These tools exist whether or not you can access them. And yes, there are some for whom these weapons will not work: for those who do not believe. Even a sinner can benefit from the promise of God through faith (Ephesians 2:8). But without faith, it is impossible to use the armor of God.

Strongholds are defeated by obedience to God. It is only through this obedience that you can use the weapons He has given.

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 2 Corinthians 10:4

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;