Breaking Down Strongholds
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians that Satan, the god of this world, has hardened the hearts and blinded the minds of unbelievers in order “to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4, esv). We see this as a Buddhist woman in Japan shares, “I want to believe and follow Jesus, but I can’t turn my back on my ancestors.”
In Amsterdam, one of the most secular cities in an increasingly secular Europe, which is internationally known for its legalization of soft drugs and prostitution and for its tolerance of euthanasia and homosexuality, there is little interest in reading or studying the Bible. Dutch women, like women throughout western Europe, have believed the lies of materialism and postmodernism. They are not interested in seeing the glory of Christ.
A Jula woman explained to her missionary friend, “I am just a woman. I cannot know God.” Her words expressed her Muslim society’s belief that religious knowledge is reserved for men. However, like most West African women, she is very familiar with folk Islam and engages in a variety of animistic practices to protect herself and her family from curses and evil spirits.
Recently I watched old women, mothers, daughters, students, and young girls pray at the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall) in Jerusalem. I was sadly reminded that the Jews of today, like those of Paul’s day, have minds and hearts that are veiled. They have neither heard nor understood that their Messiah is Jesus Christ.
A missionary wife in South Asia shares, “Where we live you don’t have to wonder what people have made into an idol . . . you see it the minute you walk into their houses or get into their vehicles. Graven images are everywhere—Buddha, Vishnu, Ganesha to name a few. We would be hopeless and overwhelmed if not for God’s Word and the indwelling of His Spirit. Please pray fervently for Satan’s strongholds to be broken!”
King Jesus, you have defeated Satan! Today, Lord, demolish the strongholds of secularism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and all other false belief systems that have captured the hearts and minds of women around the world. Enable them to hear, understand, and believe the gospel. Call them into Your presence that they may see Your glory. Amen.