We can be demonically oppressed because of openings given by our ancestors, because of the property we live on or things we possess, because of curses made against us, or because of sin in our own lives. But demons done’ always need access to attack us anyway. One of the most common reasons for our attacks is because of our commitment to Jesus. The fort is attacked just because it is there and represents a threat to those who don’t want it there.
We don’t have to have done anything – just our stand with Jesus will draw attacks for Satan is committed to opposing God’s kingdom in any and every way he can. Satan can’t attack Jesus directly so he takes his hate and anger out on God’s children. That’s why the Jews have experienced such persecution through the years. While we were in Satan’s army, or even when we were neutral and ineffective for God, demons didn’t need to waste time and effort on us. But when we become committed to serving Jesus and building His Kingdom we find we have spiritual enemies sworn to do anything they can to destroy us. Sometimes these attacks are direct, other times they take an indirect approach. Our marriage, finances, children or health may be attacked to discourage us and cause us to cease to actively participate in the cause of Christ. These attacks can also take the form of opposition from others. There may be a person who does what he can to make life difficult for you. This is why Satan attacked Job – because he was effective in his faith and Satan wanted to stop that. That seems to be the cause of Paul’s demonic ‘thorn in the flesh’ attack as well (2 Corinthians 12).
How can we tell what is a normal problem of the flesh or life in a fallen world from what is an attack of the enemy? If it brings a long, ongoing battle, and especially if you are having trouble having victory over it, you should seek for deeper causes. Or if it is a very new, very sudden attack that threatens to overwhelm and defeat you. If it is something large that comes from nowhere, like a gigantic wave that threatens to wash you away. Then suspect spiritual causes as well.
Pray for a hedge of protection around yourself, your property and your family, as Job did (Job 1:45, 10-11). Turn to God’s Word for guidance: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:6-8 All things work together for the good of those who love God. Rom 8:28 There is no testing taken you but such as is common to man. God will not allow you to be tested beyond what you can bear, but with the testing will make a way of escape so you can bear it. I Cor 10:13
So sometimes we are attacked because of where we live – property we own or where we live. Other times it is because of victories over parents or grandparents – attack us same way. It could be something we did or that happened to us early in life as well. In addition, it could be because of sin in our life. Or we could just be attacked because we are Satan’s enemies since we now support God’s kingdom. Understanding the direction of the attack can help you know how to defend yourself and have victory over the attack.
REMEMBER, GOD PROMISES VICTORY! “Thanks be to God, He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Cor. 15:57 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ.” II Cor. 2:14 “Who is He that overcomes the world? Only he who believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” I John 5:5
Thank God for the victory He has given us in Jesus. Ask Him to put a protection around you and your loved ones (mention them by name) (Job 1:45, 10-11). Make sure there is no sin in your life. Ask God to help you stay faithful to Him no matter what opposition you face.
(If I can answer questions or offer personal counsel, or if you would like a free copy of my Spiritual Warfare Handbook, email me at Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org or download it from http://sw.christiantrainingonline.org/. My next book, Spiritual Warfare in the Bible, which is a more advanced treatment of spiritual warfare, is also available there for free.)