SIGNS YOU ARE IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 1
We are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6). Sometimes we are aware of it, but other times we get so caught up in everyday life that we forget. We blame circumstances, bad luck, God not answering our prayers or earthly enemies for what we are going through. We think we need to try harder, push ahead and straighten out everything ourselves, or we quit and feel sorry for ourselves. The truth of the matter is that there is a battle going on. In physical warfare between enemy armies, it’s easy to tell when there is war. Guns are firing, cannons blazing, bombs falling and death and destruction all around us. But what are the signs you are in a spiritual battle? How can you tell when it is spiritual warfare that is happening in your life? How can you tell when you are facing the expected difficulties of living in a fallen world (John 16:33) compared to a spiritual attack by Satan’s demons?
Spiritual warfare does not mean we give the devil more attention or focus too much on his evil ways. Biblical warfare is making ourselves more attentive to what God is doing and remembering to stand firm and let Him fight our fiercest battles. There’s power through His Spirit, His Word, and in prayer, and we can be confident that He is always with us, leading our way and covering us from behind. We need to know when demons are attacking so we can counter and have victory. Here are some things to look for:
- A sudden, extreme barrage of various troubles, trials, difficulties and problems. Seemingly out of nowhere everything starts going wrong, little things and big things. It may start with just one then, then another followed by more and more as it builds. Life seems out of control. Job is a good example of this (Job 1-2). He didn’t know he was in a spiritual battle, but God’s Word clearly says that’s what was behind all the pain, destruction and death that happened to him and his family. Demons desire is to steal, kill and destroy all they can (John 10:10). No matter what, God is greater (1 John 4:4) and will protect us as He did Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6). Or He will be with us through the fire as he was with Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael (Daniel 3). He won’t allow too much to happen to us (1 Corinthians 10:13) and will always be with us (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6).
Remember God is using you as a showcase of someone who trusts in Him so angels and demons alike can see your faithfulness and glorify God because of it? Remember you are being watched, not just by humans but by spiritual forces as well. Take courage and set a good example.
- Strong temptation that comes and doesn’t stop. We will always face temptations, but sometimes an extra strong wave will hit and almost overwhelm us. The enemy attacks continue, one after the other. We don’t want to give in to the temptation or sin, the wrong action or attitude, but it keeps pounding and pounding until we give in. Then we feel overwhelmed with guilt and remorse. That’s the enemies plan – and too often it works. Giving in doesn’t lessen or stop the attacks. It’s like giving in to a child screaming for candy in a supermarket checkout line. If you give in to step them, what will happen next time? And there will be a next time!
These temptations often happen at times we are open or vulnerable. Jesus was tempted after not eating for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-11). Some of our greatest temptations come when we are physically or spiritually weak, discouraged, having relationship problems (especially marriage problems), struggling with children, etc. Be aware of times when you sense you may be most vulnerable and take extra steps to prepare yourself for battle. God promises He won’t give you more than you can resist with His help (1 Corinthians 10:13). Just don’t be taken by surprise.
Ask God to help you see any patterns in your temptations. What time of the day, week or month are you most susceptible? What set of circumstances do you need to watch out for? What can you do to protect yourself from these things?
Think about these things this week and learn to battle them if attacked. In the next blog we’ll look at 3 more signs of spiritual attacks. (January 22, 2024 Doylestown, PA)
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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