Do you have a day, or maybe a time period that rolls around every year and just seems to beat you up? I’m talking you feel a full blown spiritual assault thrust towards you from the enemy. Maybe it’s the loss of a loved one or the memory of something bad that happened in your life…
This is that day for me, and each year it seems to blow in like a tornado. It has wrecked me for eight years now.
Eight years ago I lost my first baby. It was the hardest year of my life. A chain of negative events followed as I mishandled my emotions and stumbled down a long and painful path of grief.
I try to keep this space positive. I like to think that’s me. I strive to be half full and to be mindful of how blessed I am.
But I’m also human. And I’m sure that I’m not unlike you….I have days that hurt. Days that take me back to mistakes and grief and regret.
There’s a reason the bible tells us to think on the good things. Our mind is powerful. So powerful that our thoughts can make us physically sick. It’s why we are supposed to let our spirit rule over our flesh.
The reality of life is that spiritual attacks come to us as Christians. Satan’s goal has and always will be to sabotage or oppress us in some way in the hope to steal our joy, hope, faith, and peace. He aims to keep us from our God-given purpose. He wants to confuse us and just outright convince us to turn our backs on God. And dang it He’s pretty good at what he does. He tends to know just exactly how to push our buttons, discourage us, and where our weak spots are.
If you’re at all like me, discouragement itself is the primary way the devil attacks. He convinces us we’re not making progress, that we’re forgotten, and that we’re never going to see what God has promised. It’s too late or that we’ve made too many mistakes for God to redeem the story.
I used to confuse Satan’s voice with my own or even with God’s. This is why discernment is so important. And although it’s not my spiritual gift, I have grown much stronger in it in the last eight years.
Can anyone relate?
If you haven’t experienced this sort of thing in your walk yet, I caution you that at some point you will. That’s just life. I don’t say that to be doom and gloom, but to hopefully better prepare you for when that time comes. We can’t live on a mountain. Satan is skilled at discouragement, especially when something really good happens.
But here’s the light. The good part. The hope.
God is more powerful. And HE gets the final word.
Here’s what I’ve learned about spiritual attacks: The devil attacks most when you’re closest to a victory. To the thing you’ve prayed for, worked towards, and the plans HE has set up for you.
I know it’s hard. To push through and persevere in obedience when you’re facing a warfare. So I wanna share what gets me through days like today in hopes that it might help you too.
Remember to PRAY. In your head, out loud, or written down. However it feels good, talk to God until you feel relief.
Call someone. I’m talking about someone with Godly wisdom. A person in your spiritual walk that is an encourager, not a discourager or a gossip. Someone you trust and know is gonna drop what they’re doing, lift you up, and pray with you and for you. If you don’t have such a person, get one. A christian accountability partner is vital for your walk in the Lord.
Worship. Turn on your Christian Pandora station and sing. As loud as you can. Fake it till you make it. I find it seems like the deceiver can’t stay close when I’m in worship.
READ YOUR BIBLE. Emerge yourself in the truth. When I remove myself from my feelings, and saturate myself in the scripture, I find myself feeling peace and comfort in the word. Speak aloud verses from the Bible that relate to what you’re facing. Write them down and recite them over and over. Replace what you’re thinking and feeling in your mind with truth over lies from the enemy.
Bind up what’s tormenting you. Remember that you’ve been forgiven and that God doesn’t keep score. If you’re hearing a critical voice in your head, it’s not from God. Pray for discernment in recognizing the enemy’s voice.
Trust me, I know it’s tough. I’ve fought it all day long…the tug-of-war to give in and let my flesh and emotions run and rule me. If you’re here with me, stop. Take a step back and tell yourself.
I am a conqueror through Christ (Romans 8:37).
I am loved (John 3:16).
I am NOT alone (Matthew 28:20).
God works ALL things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
God’s opinion is the ONLY one that matters (Proverbs 29:25).
God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).
God has good plans for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).
You have a real and unique purpose (Ephesians 2:10).
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
There is a God-led spirit that compels me to be transparent about these things in my life. It’s my testimony. I hope it never offends anyone; but rather encourages, brings hope, and provides faith for your own walk with the good Lord. He has brought me SO far in the last eight years. And I can one million percent guarantee you, whoever you may be that’s reading this….He has a promise, a purpose and a work for you too. And there’s joy and peace and hope ALL wrapped up in it. I want that for you too my friend.
God is fighting for you. And in HIM alone you have the victory.
Growing in Grace 