Don’t Give the Devil a Foothold

A bold message appeared on my laptop screen informing me that my computer was slow and it didn’t have virus protection. I was directed to install free virus protection, and foolishly I followed the instructions. The result was disastrous. Half way through the installation I was told I had to pay if the download was to continue. When I didn’t pay I was left with an intrusion of chaotic images which danced around my computer screen every time I used the internet. Something had been loaded onto my computer without my knowledge, and it was continually running against my wishes.

I found the situation most disconcerting. I couldn’t concentrate on what I was doing as the intrusive images were a distraction and I was constantly battling against them. I looked at sights intended to help, “Ten step guide to get rid of intrusive pop ups” all to no avail. I felt trapped, and was so desperate to rectify the situation that I was tempted to pay the money and complete the download which, I’m told, would have got me into more trouble. I was so grateful when I met a young man at one of our centres who was able to get rid of the virus in a short time and restore my laptop to how it was intended to be.
The intrusive images were so persistent, invading and distracting that they reminded me of the way the devil works in our lives through footholds which, if not dealt with, develop into powerful strongholds. Many of us are ignorant of Satan’s devices and find ourselves in a constant battle against enemy intrusion, instead of experiencing the peace Jesus promised to those who love and obey Him.

Satan never gives up. He’s an intruder who invades our minds through inroads we’ve given him. He can’t have a foothold in your life unless you give it to him through sin, or through believing his lies and calling them truth. If sin isn’t dealt with through forgiveness at the cross the foothold develops into a stronghold, and becomes a hiding place for the enemy. This means he has control in areas of your life. Consequently the enemy intrudes over and over again in the same area, stunting your Christian growth.
Many people lose battles to the enemy because they don’t understand how his evil powers can enter into their lives and set up strongholds. A stronghold is an incorrect thinking pattern that has moulded itself into our way of thinking. These strongholds have the capability to affect our feelings, and how we respond to various situations in life. They affect our spiritual freedom.

Our text for today tells us that we have the divine power to demolish strongholds. They’re demolished by truth. We must acknowledge how they were built up, by bringing everything hidden into the light. They’re demolished by the Word of God, which acts like a two-edged sword in the battle against them. The blood of Jesus and the name of Jesus are mighty weapons in destroying the devil’s works. Like the images on my laptop the devil is an intrusive bully, but on the cross Jesus defeated him, giving us the divine power to demolish strongholds.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your Son to be my Saviour. Thank You for the power of His death in overcoming all the powers of darkness. Please give me grace to look at strongholds in my life and recognise the footholds I’ve given to the enemy. I confess that these keep me back from experiencing the fullness of life, purchased by Jesus on the cross. I claim the promise of Jesus that if the Son sets me free I am free indeed. Amen.