ENEMY SNIPER FIRE
When we think of our battle with Satan and his demons we often think of the major conflicts, the strong frontal attacks and the clear and obvious workings of the enemy in our lives. But it’s not just the large clashes that decide the outcome of a battle, it’s often the small skirmishes that wear down an opponent and lead to ultimate victory. That is, in part, how the young USA defeated Great Britain in the Revolutionary War.
When big attacks come we can recognize them for what they are, but the continuous sniper shootings can cause the most damage, setting us up to be overwhelmed when the full-frontal charge takes place. These often aren’t recognized as what they are so we ignore them while they take their toll on us. Here are some of his most successful enemy tactics to watch out for.
- DOUBT GOD’S WORD. That was the first trick Satan used on Eve in the Garaden of Eden, and it worked. “Did God really say…” (Genesis 3:1) causes doubt. That sets us up for the kill – deny God means what He says: “You will not die” (Genesis 3:4). This was an outright lie, which is characteristic of all Satan is and does (John 8:44). He influences people to doubt the inspiration and accuracy of the Bible. Among Christians he plants doubts about God’s promises and if they really apply to us. Doubt is like putting a drop of arsenic in drinking water. The damage is endless. The truth is: “God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19).
- UNDERMINE FAITH WITH FEAR. Fear is something I’ve had to battle my whole life. Maybe you have as well. It can be anything from a little worry to a full-blown panic attack – it’s all fear. Living with thoughts of “What if’s” or looking at everything through a negative, what-can-go-wrong lens is the opposite of living by faith. Fear can be such a subtle part of life and we can become so used to viewing life through its slant that we don’t realize how controlled by fear we can become. It undermines our faith and trust in God and causes us to try to take care of everything in our own strength – or just giving up and falling into depression. It keeps us from sharing the Gospel with others (Matthew 28:19; Romans 1:16). The truth is: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” (1 John 14:18).
- LIVE IN SHAME. Do your thoughts keep returning to past sins or failures, even though you know in your head you are forgiven and don’t want to keep going back in your mind? It’s no surprise who is doing that. It’s not from God, and you don’t want the thought. The only source left is Satan. As long as he can keep you feeling defeated and like a failure you won’t be living the abundant Christian life God has for you (John 10:10). As long as we stay in that negative thought pattern we are doubting God’s love and forgiveness and blocking ourselves from receiving His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). God does not want us to go through life feeling unworthy, not after all he did to pay the price for those sins. The truth is: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
- WORSHIP AN IDOL. Of course, we wouldn’t bow down to an image made of wood or metal, as the Jews did in the Old Testament. Satan is too smart to think we’d fall for that, although most of us do have our golden calf or statue of Jesus here or there. Our idols, that which we turn to for peace, joy, affirmation or recognition instead of God, include things like money and materialism, power and prestige, relationships or other people we elevate above ourselves. Slowly but surely, we start to look to these more than to God. God forbids idolatry of any kind (Exodus 20:3-6). This applies especially to Christians today: 1 John 5:21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. The truth is: “ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” (Luke 4:8).
You could probably add other subtle ways Satan and his demons draw you away from God. It could be keeping too busy, even with good activities. It might be food or even alcohol. It could be a sexual sin you are justifying. It could be any number of things. Ask God to show you where your armor is weak and commit to patching those openings so you can continue to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).
1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Which of the above subtle attacks are you most vulnerable to? What must you do about it starting right now? Write it down and commit to doing it with God’s help.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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