It usually takes multiple attacks, tears of frustration and self blame, nausea and a weakened spirit to the point of utter despair before I finally hear the Spirit of God say to me, “Shari, You’re under attack.” It wasn’t that He probably hadn’t said it several times. He may have even nudged me or spiritually slapped the back of my head but as always, I’m distracted. I could chock it up to being a slower learner, but that would imply I’d “learn” and do better next time. That is probably not the case.
Attacks come in many forms and are usually quite unique to our own vulnerabilities. Our weaknesses are not hidden from Satan and his minions; they know what captivates our attention and what will feel like we’ve been struck by a violent blow to the gut. Dramatic? But of course, Satan loves drama! And he’s an excellent actor. His first stage was the garden, deceiving Eve, and he’s been adding acts to the same old show since then. We are not slow learners, we’re no learners. At least in my experience.
So what’s the point of me telling you something you likely already know? Because I know it too, but as I drew the image for this post, (before I wrote the post) it was so obvious that I was in the midst of an attack and hadn’t even realized it because I was so wrapped up in my drama.
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:8 KJV
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
The Devil has one job until all of Hell breaks loose during the tribulation… having God’s people for lunch. That’s why Peter tells us that we need to be sober and vigilant. Seriously on the lookout! Satan is slinking around in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
He did not miss that snarky little comment your husband made… and so he replays it in your mind again and again until it’s blown so far out of proportion from it’s intent.
He did not miss that you felt like the fifth wheel at the last dinner. You’re never in the click. And so you’ll avoid them all. Yay! Now Satan now has even more time to mess with your head.
The images on social media look so perfect. And so silent. They do not tell the storylines behind the smiles of the broken families and imperfect relationships. You just know your life is no where near as great, and then the comparison starts.
Everyone of those examples and countless more have happened to me. I’m a full course dinner for Satan anytime he wants to have me for lunch. He knows that all he has to do is bring attention to an issue and then I’ll take over from there, making a mountain size problem out of it. Call me gullible. It’s okay.
So what’s the answer? Read Peter’s advice to his friends…
1 Peter 5:9-11 KJVS
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. [11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Resist Him. Satan loves to be the center of attention. That’s what his entire life has been about. Trying to get himself into the place of God. Ignoring him and focusing on your faith and your relationship with God will be what wins the victory over these battles.
Remember you’re not alone. Everyone faces theses same battles, it’s just that theirs are geared to their vulnerabilities. You may never struggle with what they do, or vice versa, but the struggle is every bit as real and hard to overcome for each of you. If only our focus could be on that rather than on the comparison of how easy their life assuredly is. I have this conversation with myself all the time when I look at the “perfect” lives of others. I’m only seeing a snapshot, not the full story. Their life might break me completely if I knew the truth of it.
Refuse Satan’s words. God has not called you to have the spirit of fear, or frustration but rather there is a work God has called you to do. Which is what Satan is trying to get you off task from. By refusing and rebuking him for lying and manipulating your world you can take charge of the situation. But you have to turn him off like a staticky radio station.
Refresh yourself. Take time to read and study the word of God. Get in the presence of God’s people and focus on what you can do for them. This is my advice for me. Do with it what you will, but I know for certain if I don’t follow my own advice, I’m going to have a miserable day.
