The Loop

From Panic to Power

We’ve all had moments where fear got the best of us—moments we look back on and wish we’d handled differently. I know I have. But here’s what changed everything for me —and what changed everything for a fisherman named Peter two thousand years ago: realizing that where God’s presence is, His power and authority follow—and strongholds don’t stand a chance. 

What Is a Stronghold? 

Before we look at Peter’s story, we need some groundwork. A stronghold is anywhere the enemy has been allowed to set up camp in your heart or your mind. Scripture warns us not to let anger linger, not to give the devil a foothold—because a foothold, if left unchecked, can turn into a stronghold. 

Often those strongholds form through trauma, shame, or painful experiences—things done to us or things we’ve done ourselves. Over time, the enemy uses those wounds to plant lies about who God is and who we are. And those lies keep us stuck in fear. 

Peter’s Bold Confession—and Sudden Collapse 

In Matthew 16, Jesus brings His disciples to Caesarea Philippi and asks them, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They give the usual answers. Then Jesus makes it personal: “But what about you? Who do you say that I am?” 

Peter steps up and boldly declares, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirms him and says this truth didn’t come from human reasoning, but from the Father. That’s important—faith always begins with revelation. We don’t figure God out on our own. The Holy Spirit fills in the gaps. 

“The Gates of Hades Will Not Prevail” 

That moment happens in a powerful location. Caesarea Philippi was home to the Grotto of Pan, a place of dark worship and horrific sacrifice. The cave was believed to be the entrance to Hades itself. 

So when Jesus says, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it,” He isn’t talking about defense. Gates don’t attack—they keep things locked in. Jesus is telling Peter, Go take ground; Go reclaim what the enemy thinks he owns. 

When Fear Takes the Wheel 

But not long after, Peter falls apart. When Jesus is arrested, Peter swings a sword, thinking the moment has come. Jesus stops him—and then predicts Peter’s denial. 

That night, confronted not by soldiers but by a young girl, Peter denies Jesus three times. Then he runs. Fear wins. Shame sets in. The man who boldly confessed Christ now hides while Jesus is crucified. 

The Resurrection Changes Everything 

But fear doesn’t get the last word. 

Peter sees the resurrected Jesus. He talks with Him. Eats with Him. Touches Him. And suddenly, death no longer has power over Peter’s heart. Then at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fills the disciples, and the man who once hid now stands up in public and preaches boldly. 

In Acts 2, Peter looks straight at the crowd—the same people responsible for Jesus’ death—and tells them the truth. It’s fearless. It’s confrontational. And it’s soaked in hope: “But God raised Him from the dead.” 

Peter isn’t afraid anymore. Even death has lost its grip. 

Our Real Enemies 

Scripture names our enemies clearly: Satan, sin, and death. Sin entered through deception, death followed—but Jesus broke its hold. Because death couldn’t keep Him, it no longer has mastery over those who trust Him. 

When the crowd hears Peter’s message, they’re cut to the heart and ask, “What should we do?” That’s what happens when the gospel is clear. Conviction opens the door to grace. 

Peter’s response is simple and hopeful: “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This promise is for everyone. No exceptions. No disqualifiers. 

Putting It Into Practice 

Partner with God. 
Your job isn’t to save anyone—that’s God’s work. Your role is to show up faithfully, trust the Holy Spirit to go before you, and testify to what you’ve seen God do. 

Identify your “one.” 
Who is the person God has placed on your heart—the coworker, family member, neighbor, or friend who feels far off? Pray for them. Don’t underestimate what God can do. 

Don’t give up on difficult cases. 
No one is too far gone. We are reclaiming enemy territory. Strongholds can be demolished. Resurrection power still changes lives. 

Peter’s story reminds us that fear doesn’t define us—God does. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us. The gates of hell cannot prevail against the church. 

So it’s time to stop living from fear and start living from the authority Christ has already given us 

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