Recognizing Spiritual Attacks

This is a tough topic for me. Just a few short years ago, I pretty much judged the heck out of hearing the words “attack” paired with anything spiritual. Something changed for me. I started seeing the things that were happening to my wife, children, and me as attacks.

These things are hard to grasp, hard to wrap my head around. That is probably why I didn’t recognize them for many years. In all honesty, I probably thought it was something I did or something someone else did to me (us).

Today, I’m going to share with you things my wife and I began to recognize as spiritual attacks. My hope is that it helps raise your awareness and helps you recognize them for what they are. My other hope is you will be more prepared for battle.

For us, things started clicking—finally started making sense—when my wife and I would notice our relationship was good for long periods, and then out of the blue, maybe we would argue or have some random conflict. Sure, it’d be out of the ordinary, but it would be out of the ordinary intense, too. Often over weird stuff.

How do these attacks happen? Why? The Lord gave me this a while back, but I keep using it. I see Satan as a crack seeker. Whenever our foundation is cracked, he seeps in, invades and pervades, and tries his best to make the crack larger and larger. When that happens—when our faith foundation is damaged—he’s trying to create separation from God. Think about it. If we are separated and left to our own devices, we don’t do the things we need to do to stay aligned with the Spirit.

What makes us more susceptible to a spiritual attack? I found articles by Leslie White and Jentezen Franklin that succinctly describe attacks in bullet point format or, as I like to call it, “Twitter Version.” I’m trying to simplify the information provided by both. I’d encourage you to read through what both authors mention, too.

1. Vulnerable. We are likely to experience a spiritual attack when we are vulnerable. Jentezen Franklin describes this as a “lack attack.” This may be a money or job situation. Since our move to Tennessee, I’ve experienced this more frequently. I stress more about money, and you know what? Satan knows this. Sometimes, it’s “nickel and dime” stuff. Sometimes, it’s huge stuff. The overwhelming thing is God has come through every time. I joked recently mechanics are better psychologists than given credit. How? Well, take someone like me stressing about paying X number of dollars at the shop. Then, the mechanic talks with you and says it could be this or that problem; if we fix what we’re planning to fix and this other is really the issue, you could be looking at a lot more money on top of the X figure. When the test came back negative, this old guy was relieved to be paying ONLY the X! We haven’t fully recovered from the move or from my bout of unemployment. In other words, we’re not financially where I’d feel more comfortable. But, through it all, God has more than provided and met our needs again and again.

Vulnerability may be also a time in which old lifestyles and habits resurface. Maybe you’re recovering from an addiction. Suddenly, old friends come back into your life. Or, you find yourself in one of those old dives for whatever reason. Or, maybe you’re trying to break a habit. Say, you have a habit of drinking sodas, and you’re trying to cut down. You’ve gone a day or two without having one, and then a friend offers you one as a treat. Pastor Steven Furtick once joked it’s not God giving you that close parking place; it’s the devil! Yet, we seek that comfort, don’t we?

What are you weak spots? Where do you see yourself most vulnerable? Acknowledge them and pray. Involve your spiritual brothers and sisters. Seek support from the Lord. Pray for strength. Pray that God seals this crack in your foundation. Repent of these challenges if need be. If you’re going at all of this solo, ask yourself if it is pride. Identify your barriers so you can be prepared when the time comes. Also, armor up!

I like what Franklin says about this time. The bold, by the way, is my doing.

Jentezen Franklin writes,

There are times when it seems that all of your resources dry up at the same time. The enemy attacks in this to get you to take your eyes off of God and put your eyes on money. If he can get you worrying rather than worshipping, you will start making decisions based on opportunity rather than anointing. Always remember there are two times in your life when you are especially vulnerable to temptation: when you have nothing and when you have everything. Stay close to God in both the good times and the bad times.

2. Tired. Listen, it’s not secret when we’re tired, we are more susceptible to attacks. Think about it. The recipe for illness often includes non-restful sleep and stress. So why wouldn’t Satan use our tiredness against us as an opportunity to attack us? When we are tired, we are more open to negativity.

Abraham Maslow created a hierarchy of needs. Essentially, unless our basic needs are met, we are unable to progress to higher level needs. In other words, we will not be able to reach our full potential. Spiritually speaking, the same thing applies. If we’re not taking care of ourselves, it’s hard to serve others effectively.

Tiredness makes us more susceptible with other issues such as being alone or feeling lonely. Sin likes secrets. We have to know our weak points so we can prepare ourselves. When we’re tired, we may feel helpless, agitated, angry, anxious, or even depressed. When I am tired, I have tendencies for these things. It’s important for me to acknowledge what’s happening. I need to talk to God about what’s happening. I also need to lean on my supports.

Think of it this way. When we are tired, we tend to be more vulnerable. When we are tired and vulnerable, we will be more open us up to spiritual attacks. We have to remember when we are weary, we can get filled up again. If we are tired and vulnerable, we also need to pay attention to our faith.

3. Faith Issues. Sometimes, whether we’re new to faith or not, Satan knows our weaknesses. We can combat this with the Word and with prayer. Satan is the “Father of Lies” and will bend or twist things in such a way to make us believe those lies, even Scripture. Things like believing you’re “not good enough” will seep into our consciousness. Remember, Satan seeks cracks in our foundation. We need to have a solid faith. When we struggle, we need to have friends/family who are solid in their faith as well. Faith issues should drive us to the Word of God. John 14:6 reminds us of the truth. When in doubt, conduct yourself like Jesus. Certainly, we’ll fall short, but if we aim high, we’ll land higher than we would have otherwise. We can aim no higher than living like Jesus.

Satan wants us to feel separated. He wants us to feel unloved or not good enough. When he identifies cracks in our foundation, he wants to drive a wedge in there to make the crack larger. Remember, God meets us where we are. He seals our cracks and makes us new.

God will battle for us. My favorite verse is Philippians 4:7. Let’s look at verses 6 and 7:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

4. Boasting. Let me clarify: I’m not talking about bragging about yourself. I’m talking            about bragging about what God has done for you. I’ve noticed that I have done this            with friends. Then, I experience the attack. Keep in mind, the devil doesn’t like this.            He quite possibly will let you know. Be on the lookout when you’re sharing with                  others what God has done for you or through you.

Acknowledge what you think is happening, that you’re being attacked. Pray and armor up. Seek support. Dig into the Word. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” God is faithful and keeps His promises.

May God bless you and keep you safe during difficult times. May He watch over you and yours. When you struggle, may He touch your life in such a way that you feel His ever-loving presence and peace that only He can provide. Acknowledge what is happening to you. Rebuke Satan. Recognize what’s happening in your life. Lean on Him; seek Him first. God goes before us yet is with us, too. Don’t forget Who is on your side ready for battle.

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