for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. [2 corinthians 10:4]
it’s amazing how much clarity reading the creation account can bring to the new testament. it’s hard to fathom the pure unadulterated power God operates with. but in genesis we see a being who calls matter into existence with the words of his mouth.
this same being promises to give us every weapon necessary to destroy strongholds, or in other words anything that exalts itself over and above God. and if he is capable of creating the universe and everything in it with a breath of his mouth, is he not equally capable of destroying the enemy with divine power as well?
this verse can be a tricky one because it doesn’t always feel like we have divine power at all, much less enough to destroy something. but i think our earthly definition of divine power is probably wrong. when you hear the word power, what comes to mind? physical strength? influence? money?
let’s get some clarity from elsewhere in scripture:
his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. [2 peter 1:3]
divine power is worked through the knowledge of Christ and gives us the ability to live godly lives. the knowledge of Christ comes from the word of God.
therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. [james 5:16]
divine power is worked through the prayers of the righteous, those who keep God’s commands.
so divine power isn’t like something from a marvel movie, but it’s worked through the word of God and prayer. doesn’t it always seem to come back to that? this repetition should make us pay close attention. there is actual power in God’s word and there is power when we plead to the throne of God in prayer.
so when you come up against a stronghold, for example an unbelieving friend who is hostile to the gospel, a terminal illness of yourself of a loved one, persecution, or any other avenue satan could use to attack you at your core – tap into the divine power you have access to through the Holy Spirit.
dive into God’s word, approach his throne in prayer. make war against the enemy in the Spirit. the flesh is nothing, what does it do but lead to death?
for to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. [romans 8:6]
it is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. the words that i have spoken to you are spirit and life. [john 6:63]
cling to every word.
take it seriously.
bring everything to him in prayer.
remove everything that keeps you from following him.
question what keeps you from removing stumbling blocks.
believer, it is worth it and it is life or death. you have access to divine power. settling for anything less is to choose the weapons of the prince of the power of the air [ephesians 2:2]. you are not neutral, you are either destroying strongholds or strengthening them.
the good news is that you can choose to put on the full armor of God daily and to destroy strongholds with divine power at this very moment. dust off the scripture and call on his name, it is never too late.
~ erin boettge