We know we have an enemy who is committed to causing misery and destruction in our lives, but many times we don’t recognize his attacks. We think everything that happens to us or loved ones is ‘bad luck’ or ‘just the way life happens’. Others go to the opposite extreme and see a demon behind every little thing that happens. Normal challenges will happen in life: relationship problems, health issues, temptations, worries, doubts, anxiety, etc. Sometimes Satan is behind them, but many times he isn’t. What can we do to recognize and combat spiritual attacks when they come?
Satan is a great liar and deceiver so we often don’t notice an attack right away. In fact, sometimes we never realize demons are involved and therefore never have victory over it. We blame others, ourself or just life in general. That just plays into demons’ hands and makes things worse. What can we do when attacked?
- DON’T BE SURPRISED. Peter says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12) When things are going fairly well but all of a sudden it seems all the wheels have come off our life, be suspicious of the source so you can combat the correct enemy. It doesn’t have to be lots of big things, it can be consistent little nagging things that distract, drain and never seem to end. However, the attacks come, don’t be surprised. Don’t think it means you are a failure as a Christian – it means quite the opposite. Don’t think you will be immune if you are growing spiritually and living for Jesus – that’s when the enemy loves to attack the most!
If Jesus was attacked, why shouldn’t we be? “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20) If they persecuted Jesus, why would we be exempt? Sadly, we are not. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8)
The key to victory in sports or in war is catching the opponent unaware, so our first strategy must be to always be suspicious without being so fixated on the demonic that we take our focus and attention from Jesus. Don’t let them catch you unaware. Be alert but not preoccupied. The enemy loves to get our eyes off Jesus and onto himself. That is a form of worship which feeds his ego and helps his influence grow
- USE YOUR WEAPONS. Use your armor. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12) We can’t defeat spiritual forces of evil with human strength or wisdom. We can only do it in the power of the only One to every defeat Satan. Remember he is already a defeated foe, so turn to Jesus and ask for His help and power in all you think and do. Trust Him. Do your best while always keeping in mind that without His strength and power you can accomplish anything. Do your 100% best to resist but at the same time have an attitude of depending completely on God for anything to happen. That’s what Paul is saying in the above passage.
So be alert to Satan’s work in your life and that of your loved ones. Don’t obsess with it, but ask God for wisdom to see and overcome it. Some attacks are full frontal force, others are subtle and more subdued. Either can come between you and Jesus. Don’t let that happen! (To be continued in the next blog.)
Deuteronomy 20:4 – For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’
1 Corinthians 15:57 – But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Are you able to discern spiritual attacks or do you struggle without realizing demons may be behind what is happening?
Do you fear demonic attack, shown by thinking about them too much and blaming everything that goes wrong on them?
How good are you are using your spiritual weapons (prayer, the Word, fellowship, worship, etc.)? Where are you strongest? Where are you weakest?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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