The Unexpected Way To Fight and Win
KIA STEPHENS
Lee en español
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)
As I listened to the news, I grew increasingly bothered by the reality of what was taking place in the world. “That’s not right!” I exclaimed at the television screen. For days, I remained frustrated with all the headlines, commentaries, and anyone who disagreed with me.
My emotions were a mix of anger, anxiety, sadness, and shock. The reality of what was being reported on national and international news was overwhelming. I felt stuck.
And unfortunately, this was not a one-time occurrence. I’ve found myself returning to this place repeatedly as I have allowed the current political climate to rob me of my peace.
I want to change outcomes.
I want to change people.
I want to win arguments.
I have been fixated on problems I cannot control and reluctant to admit what will really make a difference.
Only the power of God will make a difference.
Yet I’ve heard a similar sentiment of powerlessness from many Christians. We sometimes act like the world: short-tempered, defensive, tense, and divided, keeping records of wrongs. We are often at odds with one another.
The Apostle Paul was keenly aware of this inclination, and he gave believers some cautionary guidance in 2 Corinthians 10:4 when he said, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
The Corinthian church was divided and provoked by false teachers, and Paul was writing to refute them — not by earthly means but rather spiritual weapons.
This reminds us that we can't truly demolish strongholds like false arguments, pride, lies, and sin through tactics the world employs. Things like getting the last word; seeking vengeance; or exploiting money, power, and might are not where our confidence should lie. On the contrary, we fight with heavenly weapons: prayer, humility, truth, righteousness, unconditional love, and our testimony to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross (Revelation 12:11).
These weapons may appear weak. Never have we heard a military commander give orders like this. Our Commander, however, is not of this world, and neither are we, if we are followers of Jesus Christ. God says we can demolish strongholds with His weapons because they come with His unexplainable, supernatural, divine power.
In Paul's day, a stronghold was a fortress that protected against enemies, often built on elevated ground and surrounded by stone walls. Yet Scripture says unassuming heavenly weapons have the power to demolish even a seemingly impenetrable fortress.
When we feel powerless to change problems, people, and outcomes, we can trust in the mighty weapons given to us by our Commander. This is the unexpected way to fight — not against each other but for God's Kingdom. This is how we win.
Heavenly Father, help me to lay down the weapons of this world and choose to trust in the divine power that comes from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Kia learned how to trust in the divine power that comes from God when she forgave her father for his absence in her life. She talks more about this process in her book, Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God’s Perfect Love. You can check out this resource in the Proverbs 31 bookstore.
ENGAGE
Join Kia on her YouTube channel as she shares more on the topic of “The Unexpected Way To Fight and Win.”
You can also connect with Kia on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (NIV).
How might relying on heavenly weapons change how you engage with people you disagree with?
In what area is God leading you to address a stronghold in your life? How is He leading you to address it?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2025 by Kia Stephens. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
