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Keys to Success

Overcoming harmful or addictive behaviors and maintaining freedom hinges on three key elements: an ongoing commitment to change, a daily practice of disciplines that are aimed at maintaining success, and time spent nurturing a steadfast relationship with Jesus.

Regardless of the type of stronghold or oppression one faces, falling into a trap of the enemy begins in much the same way. Bondage is born in the mind before it is ever played out in real life.

Anyone living in the modern world knows that smoking is strongly linked to cancer, and yet, 1.1 billion people around the globe continue to smoke. If tobacco is a known carcinogen, why do so many people disregard the warnings and smoke anyway?

It is the same reason that billions of people live with other unhealthy strongholds. A person rationalizes the behavior and becomes convinced that they can beat the odds. The enemy whispers his lies: It won’t happen to you. You can stop any time you want. It’s just this once. You can quit tomorrow. You deserve this. You’re not hurting anyone. It’s your life—you can do what you want.

In our minds we defend and excuse the behavior. Before long, the decision is made and we act on our conceptualized belief. This is how substance abuse and other forms of addictions take root. It’s also how marriages fall prey to adultery and how people end up knee-deep in debt.

The enemy has been around for a very long time and knows our human nature. He knows that if he can whisper the lie and get us to think long and hard about something, we will eventually rationalize and justify the behavior. From there, our flesh nature takes over. Actions align with beliefs and before long our lives spin wildly out of control. Like a train barreling downhill without brakes, forward momentum makes it very difficult to stop.

One of the offenders is dopamine—a powerful chemical in the brain associated with pleasure. As the brain releases this intoxicating chemical into the bloodstream, we experience feelings of exhilaration and euphoria. Because it makes us feel good, the addictive behavior becomes very hard to give up. And because of the nature of addiction, it eventually takes more and more of the thing (whatever it may be) to reach the same level of euphoria.

But like a runaway train, we eventually derail when obstacles get in the way. Health begins to fail. Our spouse finds that secret text. A loved one learns of our addiction. The phone rings off the hook from creditors seeking payment. Friends, we don’t have to live like this. The enemy is lying to us! It’s time to expose his tactics of deception so we can live in freedom.

The Bible tells us that Satan is the father of all lies; he knows that if he can sidetrack us with counterfeit feelings and experiences, he can keep us from the One who can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our soul—Jesus.

There is a healthy addiction, a stronghold, that is never harmful or destructive. Jesus alone is able to fill the hole in our souls. He is the key to our success. Let the King of kings and Lord of lords unlock your prison door and set you free once and for all.

Personal Reflection

• In what ways have you rationalized or justified your disordered behavior?
• What health consequences have developed as a result of your stronghold?
• How have your relationships been impacted?

Prayer

Lord, you know me better than I know myself. You know exactly what I need to break free. Help me focus on who you say I am, and help me recognize the enemy’s lies before they take root and turn into another stronghold in my life. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer. Amen