Faith Filled Family Magazine August 2016 | Page 23

BONDAGES AND STRONGHOLDS By Julie Merin “The Devil Made Me Do It!!” “The devil made me do it!” We’ve all probably heard that expression before, usually from someone who has done something wrong, but doesn’t want to take responsibility for it. The expression may also be used in a joking way. The fact is, though, that many people are dealing with what are often referred to as strongholds in their lives. These strongholds exercise such an influence and pressure on a person that it may seem that the person almost has no choice but to indulge in whatever sinful, damaging behavior or attitude the stronghold pro- motes. Opinions are divided as to what strongholds are in fact. Are they merely deeply entrenched bad habits, or are they the result of demonic influence? Perhaps the more important issue is that of knowing how to recognize