In my last blog post i wrote about the increased attacks of the enemy and how God is responding to them by answering our prayers. I’m sure there have been times in history when spiritual warfare has been this brutal, but it seems to be the worst I have seen in my lifetime. In addition to the worries and fears that we can fend off with prayer, there are increased temptations and doubts.
I think the biggest temptation is to counter attack those the enemy uses to attack us with the same intensity as them. That is exactly what the enemy wants. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “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) During the ultimate personal attack on Him, Jesus did not attack the men who were driving nails into his hands and feet. Instead, He asked His heavenly Father to forgive them. I am so glad God hates sin but loves sinners like me enough to send His Son to die in my place. He expects us to follow that example.
The world will never understand how it is possible to separate sin from the sinner. They feel sin is a permanent part of their life. We know that sin can be forgiven and removed from our life by God’s mercy and grace. So never counter attack a person who attacks you. Instead, lean on the promise of Exodus 14:14, “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Instead of attacking your attacker, stay calm and pray for them and then for God to attack the evil spirit behind the attack.
When it comes to fending off temptation and doubt, we can fill our heart and mind with God’s word and love so that there is no room for anything the enemy tries to squeeze in. That is the way to resist him and when we resist him, he will flee from us. (James 4:7)