Recognizing Spiritual Attacks
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.
My grandniece Elizabeth had severe asthma attacks as an infant, eventually she has grown out of the frequency of the attacks. Her grandmother will confess that she was not as attuned to hearing her grasping for air at the onset of an attack; however, her mother recognized it immediately and sought the attention that she needed. Just like a sudden asthma attack, the enemy of our souls suddenly attacks us spiritually; how attuned are you in recognizing the landmines of sin that he sets in your path?
Like it or not…we were all born into sin and will live with it until we leave this world. However, as born-again believers we are equipped for battle. We are indwelt with the power of the Holy Ghost that provides insight, guidance and correction from sin that can so easily trap us. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.
We all possess a free will. God did not create us like robots, but unique, in His own image and having the free choice to obey and love Him. So, the question is how good are we at recognizing the onslaughts of the enemy’s sinful impulses? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8.
Have you ever thought or done something and immediately there was a sinking feeling in your heart that let you know it just was not right- and what was your response? The Holy Spirit will guide God’s beloved children by awaking within us a heighten sense of sin; the Greek word homologeo means speak the same, confess and agree. Once the Holy Spirit sheds light on our sins, we must recognize, confess, and deal with it. 1 John 1:9 state “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The amazing grace of God and His love for us provides all that we need to walk victorious from the attacks of our formidable foe Satan. However, if we consistently suppress The Holy Spirit’s warnings, the duller our senses become to hearing His correction and the greater chances we have of falling into Satan’s landmines to destroy us.
Warriors that are ready for battle follow a strategie plan..there are three R’s that all Christian soldiers must adhere to when faced with an attack from the enemy: Recognize-the real enemy-“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Resist him-“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ” James 4:7. And lastly Report him to the Lord in prayer-“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:18.
My friends, staying attuned and quickly acting on divine instruction keeps us in fellowship with the Lord and our fellowman. Daily prayer, meditation, confession to known sins and following where the Lord leads, will keep us in perfect peace. Let us learn to listen and obey. “… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” Hebews 12:1b.
God blessings of peace, joy and mercy be with us all.
