How to Start Breaking Free from Strongholds in Life

Introduction

Every man gets tired of carrying hidden battles-lust, anger, fear, pride, addiction. These strongholds aren’t just bad habits. They’re chains that keep us stuck, drain our strength, and rob us of confidence.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck. Breaking free from strongholds starts with one decision-to take the first step with God’s help. This is where that journey begins.

1. What Are Strongholds?

Before you can fight, you have to know the enemy. Strongholds are spiritual or mental barriers that hold you captive.

• Mental strongholds: fear, anxiety, depression.
• Emotional strongholds: bitterness, resentment, shame.
• Spiritual strongholds: addictions, lust, pride.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5:

“The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”

Step one is understanding what you’re up against.

2. Identifying the Strongholds in Your Life

You can’t break free from what you won’t face. Start by asking yourself:

• What thoughts dominate my mind?
• What sin keeps circling back?
• Where do I feel powerless?

Maybe it’s pornography. Maybe it’s explosive anger. Maybe it’s fear of failure. Identifying the stronghold is your first step toward freedom. Write it down. Pray about it. Ask God to shine a light on what’s been holding you back.

3. God’s Power to Break Strongholds

On your own, you’ll fail. But God has given you weapons to begin tearing down the walls:

• Prayer – the starting point of every breakthrough.
• Fasting – silencing the flesh so your spirit grows stronger.
• Scripture – speaking God’s truth over the lies you’ve believed.
• Holy Spirit – the power to resist what once controlled you.

Ephesians 6 calls us to put on the full armor of God. That armor is your starting gear in this battle.

4. Practical Ways to Start Breaking Free

Freedom isn’t just an idea-it’s built on daily steps. Here’s how to start:

1. Confess the stronghold to God. Admit where you’re stuck.
2. Replace lies with truth. Arm yourself with Bible verses for breaking free from strongholds, like John 8:36: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
3. Find accountability. Tell a brother in Christ. Freedom rarely happens in isolation.
4. Build new habits. Pray, read, move your body, serve others. Every small step builds momentum.

5. Healing from the Past

Many strongholds are rooted in wounds you’ve carried for years. Trauma. Betrayal. A broken family.

But God can redeem your past.

• Breaking strongholds from past trauma begins when you surrender those wounds to Him.
• Freedom through forgiveness means releasing bitterness, even when it feels impossible.

Forgiveness doesn’t excuse the wrong-it’s choosing to set yourself free so you can finally move forward.

6. Living Free After the First Step

Freedom isn’t a one-time event-it’s a daily choice. Once you’ve started breaking free, here’s how to stay free:

• Guard Your Mind – renew it with Scripture (Romans 12:2).
• Stay Rooted in Brotherhood – lone wolves get taken down first.
• Serve Others – strength multiplies when you give it away.

These are the steps to freedom in Christ from strongholds-not all at once, but one step at a time.

Conclusion

Brother, here’s the truth: strongholds are real, but God’s power is greater. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.

👉 Take your first step today. Download the free Bible Study Lesson at ChristianVictory.ca/war – then join me LIVE on TikTok, Thursday, September 18 at 7 PM Pacific as we kick off the 10-part series: Armor Up & Stand Firm. We’ll open God’s Word together, talk real about the fight we’re in, and stand shoulder to shoulder against the enemy. Victory will come.