Resisting Strongholds

Joshua 15-17; 1 Corinthians 8 

“…Manasseh also had Beth Shan, Ibleam and the people of Dor, Endor, Taanach and Megiddo…Yet the Manassites were not able to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region.”

Joshua 17:11, 12

The tribe of Manasseh wanted more land as their inheritance, but they were unwilling to engage the Canaanites in battle. The Canaanites of that region were determined to occupy their cities and defend them. This was the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites, the giants that had intimidated Israel. By not confronting these enemies, the Israelites sowed the seeds for future defeats. Israel’s first king, Saul, was publicly displayed on the walls of Beth Shan following his death in battle. It was from Endor that a witch was found to summon the spirit of Samuel and provide counsel to Saul in his final hours. When we allow strongholds of fear, lust, anger, and greed to live in our lives, they will try to destroy the life of Christ within us. We have been given the power of Christ’s death and resurrection to face sin and declare it defeated in the name of Christ. Our inheritance in Christ’s kingdom includes freedom from sin-strongholds, righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

“Lord Jesus, I will resist sin and the enemy, for your glory.”