If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV

By: Scott Schuler

Gripped by a 320-pound wrestler, I was buckling under the clutches of defeat. My first heavy weight match, I barely tipped the scale at 215 as a high school junior.

“Warning!” the ref yelled, as he flagged me for stalling. This massive kid had pushed me off the mat twice. I was at a loss for my next move. My opponent held me confidently in his grip, waiting for me to surrender. Desperately, I looked toward my coach for guidance.

“Shoot for his legs. Pick him up. Turn him over. Pin him!” Yeah, right coach.

But coach was serious. His wisdom and expertise recognized an opportunity to defeat the opponent, if I would just listen. So, I did it. Thirty seconds later the ref grabbed my arm and held it high, “Winner!” I’m not sure how, but I’m certain it was not as suave as coach had instructed. Against 320-pound odds I broke the power of this giant. My fear morphed into strength.

God allows similar scenarios in my spiritual journey. This fight, however, is against giants known as strongholds. What is a spiritual stronghold?

Strongholds evolve from sin Satan uses to control us.

We are often unaware of their existence or their power over us.

What do strongholds look like?

Addictions to drugs, alcohol, technology or social media

Eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia)

Overindulgent behaviors like spending, shopping, eating or working

Relationships that are co-dependent, controlling or outside of biblical marriage

Habitual condemnation of others or yourself

Excessive lying and cheating

Untreated anxiety or depression

But strongholds are more than sin. Gripped by the Enemy you cannot free yourself. To avoid additional pain, you submit to his control. If you try to turn from his grasp and start living right, all hell breaks loose. The Enemy exerts his control over you through the stronghold. Painful or traumatic experiences reinforce the stronghold’s power until it becomes the only giant we see.

But there is hope. Did you know Jesus is waiting for you in those moments the Enemy has you in his grip?

Jesus believes in you more than you believe in yourself.

He desires to release you from strongholds that feel like 320-pound giants, so you can walk in freedom with Him.

When I focus on the enemy’s apparent power, the situation seems insurmountable.

When I turn to Jesus, my coach and heavenly Father, I become victorious in my battles.

So, what do you do with this? Stay on guard. Keep your focus upward, on Jesus. Anything or anyone that draws you away from your commitment to Jesus can become a stronghold. Call out to Jesus and ask Him for your next move. He will confidently guide you to one victory at a time.

Go to Jesus and confess your sins. He is faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

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