Romans 12:2 (Daria) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Have you ever felt like you were in a dark place? A place where only negatives were being developed? Hello, my name is Daria Dillard Stone. Welcome to the Conversations Of Courage Blog.
I heard a manager at a camera store once say “negatives are produced in the dark.” I let that sit with me throughout the day and realized, “God will allow us to be put in dark places – to give it light. But if I don’t come out of darkness myself – I remain in a negative state! If you are a negative person or have been a negative person, this may be a message. I used to be YOU.
Whatever your mind is set on, you are conformed to, and it will become your reality. A set mind resists change. Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. —2 Corinthians 10:3-6The Lord does not prohibit Satan from waging war against you in various realms, including the mind. Every believer has a mental battle.
Wherever your mind goes, there your life will go. We live in a time when many things are being shaken, so there are always casualties of war in every fight. There is a fight in every believer’s mind, and that battle is increasing and ongoing, and every day the mind is one of the realms where a battle takes place. Your mindset will determine your reality.
What is a stronghold?
- A stronghold is a place where something or someone operates.
- A stronghold is a fortress or a castle that is built throughout your life.
- Strongholds are lies of the enemy that hide in human reason and wait for your agreement or approval.
- Every stronghold is based upon an argument that’s based on reason; every argument is based on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and every argument is based on fact.
Fear (False Evidence Appearing Real) comes when a word is spoken that releases negativity in our imaginations.
- A stronghold takes hold and constantly modifies your behavior to constrain you. After some time, the stronghold becomes the place we refer to as “the comfort zone”; this is where people resist change. Strongholds are generational; if you are not careful – you pass your negative mindset on to your children.
- A stronghold is a rigid mental structure that limits a person from seeing, sensing, or perceiving in the spirit realm. Therefore it is impossible to walk in the supernatural with a stronghold in place.
You will have fellowship with any thought you entertain. A stronghold contains theories, arguments, concepts, and imaginations. Where did the mindset of being poor or of being no good come from? It comes from our culture, education, and environment. When many say you will not make it, their words become strongholds. Bring the thought into your head, but it’s up to you to agree or approve it.
What does a stronghold do to you?
Prevents positive perception
Modifies your behavior in a negative way
Limits God’s perspective of your future
Resists change
The truth comes before, through, and after the fact. The truth is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The stronghold of unbelief will hold you back from your destiny and is capable of actually aborting it. It is impossible to stay free with strongholds that have not been pulled down by a renewed mindset. Today, I pray that once you read this blog, you will ask God to show you the way to “get your negatives out of the dark.” In Jesus’ name, be free of every stronghold, and begin to hold on to the promises God has for your life. Amen!
Min. Daria Dillard Stone, “The Servant,” is the Founding C.E.O. of Sharing Ministries LLC Sharing Ministries, LLC mission is: Built on a foundation of faith and integrity, Sharing Ministries helps women from all walks of life to develop character, clarity, and courage by offering spiritual guidance, educational resources, business connections, and moral support.
Daria states, “This ministry/movement was initially birthed out of the grief I was experiencing in 2007 when my darling husband Todd died. But now it has grown out of the grief and exemplifies the GRIT (Grace, Resilience, Integrity, Tenacity).” She is an inspiring preacher/teacher, award-winning author, and an international motivational speaker. She mostly wants folks to remember her as “The Servant.”
CLICK HERE to visit Sharing Ministries International
