Spiritual Warfare Series
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Do you ever feel like you are in the middle of a battle that you can’t seem to win? Do the hits just keep coming? I’ve been there too. It’s a spiritual attack and it’s unrelenting, yet God says not to be surprised at the fiery trials we are going through, but to be glad. That is a hard pill to swallow when you are in the midst of hardship. Let’s explore what our good Lord means by this and how we can get geared up for battle. Join me as we examine this topic in my series on Spiritual Warfare. We will be discussing different aspects of this subject in three separate posts.
- When you are under spiritual attack
- Your battle plan
- The Victory is His
When You are Under Attack
If you asked me to take a look back at my life and tell you which year had been the most difficult up to this point, I’d say it was this past year, 2016. Last year made all others pale in comparison and I don’t think that it is a coincidence that it happened to be the same year I started blogging. I believe I have fallen victim to a long series of spiritual attacks which were in direct correlation to me stepping out in obedience. It was a year of surrender and trust when so many things were looking hopeless. It’s when God’s word began living and breathing inside me. His truth blasted all the whispers of the enemy aside and I learned to live in freedom. This didn’t come easy.
The attacks have come from so many directions that it has been a whirlwind. They have been too countless to keep track of and yet not enough to take me out. I’m still standing because my Lord has been my refuge. Time and time again He has bailed me out. He provided peace when there was nothing but chaos. He lavished me with calmness when everything in me was screaming “go ahead and lose it”. His strength got me through when I was too weak and He remained strong when I wasn’t. He will do the same for you.
Job’s Battle
I want to visit a story in the bible about a man named Job. The word says Job was a blameless man who was of complete integrity. He was one who feared God and stayed away from evil. This is important to remember and I’ll be explaining why soon enough.
Job fought a battle that I would never want to call my own. The devil himself was given permission by God to strip Job of his family, health, and possessions. That would have been too much for anyone to bear and yet the word says that Job did not sin by blaming God. What really struck me is that when Job was given the horrific news about his family he fell down, worshiped God, and praised His name.
The Devil’s entire purpose was to utterly destroy Job through this testing but Job prevailed because his faith did not waiver. Job’s own wife suggested that he curse God and die and yet his integrity and faith remained intact.
Satan’s attack came blow after blow. Each deafening slap was enough to take anyone out but Job still stood for God and God never left Job’s side. Just as God was at his side, He is also at ours.
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Satan is A Roaring Lion
The devil doesn’t want us to prevail and nothing would make him more happy than to drag us to the fiery pit with himself. With that being said, his attacks will hurt and he will strike when you are tired and weary. His goal is to get you to curse God, renounce your faith, and walk in darkness. It is said that misery loves company, so I believe that the culprit himself wants us to share in his misery.
More often than not, when the spiritual attacks have been at their worst in my life, they have come in succession and at a point when I was weakest. This makes sense since an enemy attacks his foe when he is easiest to defeat.
An enemy attacks his foe when he is easiest to defeat Share on X
Have you ever watched a documentary about animals in the wild? My Father is quite the National Geographic enthusiast so I’m afraid that I’ve seen more than my fair share of these types of videos. When there was a lion getting ready to attack his prey, you did’t see him aiming for the strongest and quickest. You saw him waiting for the injured and weak.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 NLT
Satan’s Strategies
The Devil is no doubt sneaky and conniving, but he definitely has some tactics that we need to be aware of. He will hit you where it hurts and aim right for your weak spots. Let’s discuss some of the strategies he has been using since the days of old.
- He Uses Mindgames – When satan entered the scene as a slimy serpent in the book of Genesis, one of the first strategies he used against Eve was to have her question God’s commands. He twisted words around so that she would second guess what she had actually heard God say. So much so, that she doubted and was then convinced by a lie (Genesis 3). He is the author of confusion.
- He is the Accuser – Satan loves to play the blame game and point his fingers. His whispers are lies to us about how we are unworthy, unforgiven, ugly, rotten, and failures. He will also cause us to believe wrong things about others making us the accuser or the victims of accusation. This causes division and strife among family, friends, and co-workers in your job and ministry.
- He brings Disaster – Satan is the creator of chaos. Whether natural or with element, he seeks to destroy all that is good. His powers bring calamity, fear, and devastation.
- He attacks your Health – He can strike with sudden pain and infirmity that cause fatigue and weariness. Attacking your health is a way for him to get you to question God’s goodness.
- He is the Tempter – He will entice you with things from the world so that you may walk in darkness and compromise.
Satan Has An Army
The enemy does not work alone. In fact, throughout the bible we can read that demons possessed many. They are still very much a part of this world as they were before and needless to say, they don’t stop to rest. Their game plan is the same as their leader’s…to take you out.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
The Broken Way – Girls With Swords – Through The Eyes of a Lion
No Need To Fear
Although the enemy uses very real tactics to try and divert us from the path, our God is mighty and fierce. In my next post in the series we will be going over some sure fire ways to expel the attacks and protect our hearts in the process. The battle isn’t over yet, it’s only beginning. It’s time for us to be geared up and ready for the spiritual war.
Be sure to read Part Two of the series “The Battle Plan”
and finish up with Part Three of the series “The Victory is His”.
Our enemy uses real tactics, but our our God is mighty and fierce! Share on X
Be blessed!
Natalie, This was very good! I am looking forward to reading your post next week! We are neighbors today and I’m glad of it! Blessings!
Thank you so much Leslie for your kind words and for stopping in at Salt & Light Linkup : )
Natalie, I came back today to read this and it’s a powerful encouragement for me today. Thank you! I needed this!
Amen Leslie! I just love hearing that. His word provides powerful instructions to combat the evil one and the those that fight for the darkness. I’m so glad this post was helpful.
Wow! You said everything perfectly! The attacks are real and we have to be armored with our King. Thank you for all of the wonderful advice in your post.
Thank you for stopping in Desiree. Every day I need the reminder to be armored up. I’m so glad that this post blessed you!
Natalie, so glad you are writing about this, because i feel i am under attack at times as well, through various trials going on in my life! Sigh, it makes me sad, but i am trying and striving to stay strong.
Sue
Dearest Sue,
You do so much for His Kingdom that of course you are a threat. You are more strong than you know because your strength is provided by a good Father who protects us! Keep on going!
This is a great series, Natalie. We do need to recognize the spiritual battle going on, but also believe in God’s awesome power. I love your points today.
PS: I ordered the Magnolia Journal a while back too and can’t wait to read another. Love them folks. 🙂
Your neighbor today at #SaltAndLight
Thank you Meghan!
I really do appreciate your feedback. Spiritual Warfare is a hot topic right now because so many brothers and sisters are finding themselves in the midst of battle. I’m so glad you stopped by : )
“too countless to keep track of and yet not enough to take me out” Hallelujah & Amen to that!! I believe the enemy is real and must be dealt with in a very real way. When I know I’m under attack, I break out the Word, call on my prayer warriors, and speak right to the problem. But on the flip side, if the enemy is real we have to stand on our God and the promises He has given us. I have to remind myself that the enemy is already defeated and through Jesus I stand in victory! This post is great encouragement!
When you are in the midst of warfare it can seem so daunting, but afterwards the victory is apparent and I just love that. We serve such an awesome God. Thank you for stopping in Jennifer!
Understanding spiritual warfare is so critical! Thanks for this.
You are absolutely right, and for some reason it seems to be greatly overlooked. Be blessed Susan!
Oh my God. I thank the Lord that He has opened your spiritual eyes in such a way so that you are able to encourage others! This has completely lifted my spirits. Praise God. ❤
Margo
http://www.margowoodward.com
Margo,
You don’t know how much that means to me. God is good and He gets all the glory. I’m so glad this article spoke to you. God bless you : )
Thank you for this article of reassurance for me this morning. My family and I have been under spiritual attack for the past year. This weekend my in laws will be coming to visit and they are unsaved unfortunately, which I fear is not going to go well. I have been awake all night thinking about what to do if a difficult topic does indeed come up and how to handle it. That is when I found your reassurance in this article. I am going to go read Job in my Bible while I relax on this beautiful morning, with the birds outside singing, and drink my coffee. I would like to ask for prayers for wisdom and discernment for this weekend to come in whatever it may hold for us. Thank you in advance. Reading this was a true blessing to me and an answer to my prayers. May God bless you and your blog ministry.
Dearest Michelle,
What an absolute joy you have brought me. It makes me so happy to know that this post spoke to you in such a way. I’m definitely praying for you now that the Lord will give you the words and the actions to live out in front of your unsaved relatives. May He use you as a light in the situation and may they see His love through you. God bless you sister!
This is a wonderful article and so reassuring. So often, when we are under attack, we forget about the role of the enemy, and need reminders of God’s constant love. Thank you ?
Thank you so much Rae for your kind words. I’m so blessed that this post spoke to you. It is my prayer that each word I write ministers to someone’s heart. Only by His grace : )
This article came just at the right time. My family is under spiritual attack right now. First we lost a beloved dog in a horrible way, then my Father in law passed unexpectedly, and my Son may be becoming a father with a girl who has many issues. Thank you for this amazing reminder about Job.
Hello sweet Amanda,
I’m so glad that this post was able to minister to you in your time of need. God is good and always right on time. I’m praying for you during this time that every strategy of satan is thwarted and that you are comforted with the peace of our Lord. He will see you through in each of these areas. Stay strong sister and God bless you!
I needed to read this! Last week has been one of the most stressful weeks of my life. Even prior to that, I have read that verse in Peter and brushed it off like nothing. Little did I know that it was a warning sign from God. I’m still under of a bit of a spiritual attack but I pray to God and worship Him in all this disaster! Thank you for sharing!
Hi, Natalie-
I really enjoy your blog and I have nominated you for the Liebster Award! If you choose to accept, you can read about it in the post below. Thank you for your ministry and heart for God!
https://unmaskingthemess.com/2017/10/03/liebster-award-nomination-pay-forward/
Julie
You’re so incredibly sweet Julie and I’m so humbled that you would choose me! Thank you a million times over!
Thanks
You’re very welcome Brian. Praying blessings for you.
Thank you so much for this. This is right on time for me. I know I am under spiritual attack right now, but this is a reminder that the enemy is defeated! I know his tactics, schemes, and plans are always attached to killing, stealing, and destroying us. Sometimes we just need that extra encouragement to help us overcome. I can not thank you enough! I pray that you will continue to be used by God by writing your blogs. God bless you mightily!
Praise the Lord Nekia! I’m so glad this message spoke to your heart during a time of attack. To know the enemy’s tactics is half the battle. Praying for you today!
I have been under spiritual attack for a while .It took me a while to workout that this was what going on l believe becasuse had been leaning on my own understanding for a long time. I got consumed in my sorrows and health challenges wondering what was going on until 2 Corinthians 10 vs 4 was revealed to me and also reading your testimony Natalie. Now l have no fear now ,l’m strengthened knowing that am not alone. I have the king of the battle on my side all l need is to lean on Him, acknowledge Him and surrender to Him
Thanks Natalie
This comment alone is the reason I do what I do. I share the love of Christ and His sanctifying power within me in the hopes that it impacts others for His kingdom. You have truly blessed me today and I’m praying that your season of attack will cease.
What a gift you have. I happened upon your post today as I was looking for scripture against spiritual warfare. For My friend who is under great attack . I checked 3 of your posts and found great richness in the scriptures you shared and encouragement from your comments. Thank you for all that you shared
I’m so blessed that you were encouraged and equipped by something I wrote. To God be the glory! I hope you will become a regular reader and that you say hello again : )
Hey Natalei
I have a friend who suffers from depression and im there for her spiritually. Yes it is hard to cope with her at times. Most times she says she hears voices telling her what to do.
I assured her that she is under spiritual attack.
What would be your best advice for me?
And yes i always love love to read your article’s..
Oh friend,
My suggestion is to pray, pray, and then pray some more. Speak God’s Word into her life. Every time the enemy whispers to her she will be able to recall the scriptures you’ve shared with her. I’m going to take a moment to pray for her myself so that no weapon formed against her prospers. Thank you for continuing to read my posts. I appreciate your presence.
Thanks so much. I always look for ways that the enemy does attack. I wanna learn the ways he attacks, and whom he attacks just to get to me n my family. Because he rules the air n anyone who is under his attack are those who have surcome to dementia n all mental illnesses.
I believe my mom is goin thru this, he has been able to lie to her. He lied to my dad n he died as the result of alzheimers. He came home to us under hospice care normal as he was before being diagnosed. Angry! Yes i was. He died 11days later. Mom out of her guilt n blames herself n today is hallucinating that he is there in her home. (We take turns watching her). The day it was my turn, i was going to bless her room/ house. But the enemy got to me first, she accused me of stealing a coffee table thats 50#. Really now? And gave it to my neice. (We both go to church n understand whats happening to her). The enemy didnt want me to disrupt his plan. I called my brother, he took over. I explained what i believe his comment was “its just dementia”. He too goes to church and only wants to put Jesus in a little box. So i stopped. Im fighting this Battle n my best Warrior is God. My family understands kahuna stuff but will not believe Mother is under the control of this retched enemy.
Please help me w your prayers. I will succeed for my warriors are mightier. And they are Spiritual too. In their positions n ready to rumble.
Dearest Vena,
I will definitely be praying for each person mentioned above. Remember that we fight not against flesh and blood but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. May you continue to fight in the spirit for your family and be strengthened in the Lord as you endure for His name. God bless you.
Wow, what a powerful post! It really encouraged me today and just oozes the power of the Holy Spirit! Praying for you and your ministry. ❤️
Thank you for your prayers Lauren. I so greatly appreciate you!
For many years, I was focused on religion as a quest, a pilgrimage, a constant striving to be closer to God. I was too open to things that I thought could bring me closer to Him, instead of focusing simply on my faith in Him. I never would have messed around with a Ouija board, but I didn’t realize that a lot of the things that I was open to were just Ouija boards in another form. I was always looking for signs and messages from the spirit world, and this left me vulnerable to a spiritual attack by an evil spirit. After this experience, I know that the devil and his demons exist, and that they strive to cause us pain. In my darkest moments, I called on Jesus for help; it was this surrender to Jesus that saved me.
Thank you for sharing your truth with us today and trusting us with it.