Someone recently asked me about a ministry that promises Christians they can have complete victory in every area of their lives (sickness, finances, marriage, infertility, etc.) if they pray specific prayers to break down strongholds.*
Prayer is vital. We should be praying for everything: wisdom, purity, God's purposes, neighbors, friends, family, coworkers, ministries, missionaries, church and government leaders, etc. (Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
When it comes to our own sinful behavior, we can be assured that our prayers, sincere repentance, accountability, and deliberate efforts will bring victory.
But God doesn’t promise that our prayers will overcome all problems in life, nor does He promise our prayers can change the attitudes and behavior of other people.
As a new Christian I was curious about this "name-it-claim-it" teaching. But I soon realized that the Christian faith is not meant to be easy. With the help of God’s Word and mature mentors, I realized that I should walk away from any teaching that promotes formulas for getting things we want.
We aren’t in control of life here on earth. We don’t fully understand what God prevents and what He allows (1 Corinthians 13:12). We know that true faith involves hardship and persecution (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 3:12).
But we have complete confidence that God’s purposes will prevail.
"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21).
"The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations" (Psalm 33:11).
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* Note: Scripture does talk about tearing down strongholds in 2 Corinthians 10. Paul is speaking about Satanic resistance to the gospel and the need for God's people to pray and have victory over it. But this is not a formula for solving every problem a Christian faces. For more on this, see What does "pulling down strongholds" mean?
It's important that we use discernment when examining various teachings. These devotions can be helpful:
Click image to find out more about Wisdom for Life, a hardcover devotional priced lower than most paperbacks.
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