Never underestimate the enemy...

"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)

Satan and his demons are always looking for ways to either keep us in darkness or turn us from the Light. Never underestimate their "craftiness". As our life progresses, we'll begin to understand the tools of their trade better, and be able to fend off many of their attacks early on. Whether it's money, lust, addiction, etc., we'll generally recognize the temptation being put in front of us, and be able to "flee" from it (if we know what's good for us). But unfortunately, it's not ALWAYS that easy.

When the enemy knows you're too strong a Christian to be swayed by those more "ordinary tools", he'll look for other ways to attack you. The devil knows your "sore spots". He knows your past. He knows all about your wounds (perhaps some fresh yet), your grudges, grievences and horrible mistakes. He'll create very elaborate and very specific situations to "pick, pick, pick" away at those sores. He'll even enlist the help of your friends, family members and spouses (willing participants or not)! Once this type of plan is put into motion, it can be very difficult to detect. Many times you won't sense it until you're smack dab in the middle of it, because your emotions are running sky high!

When you "feel" yourself being drawn into a situation that could cause conflict, or result in a sin being committed, try to hit the breaks if you still can. Think about how Jesus would handle it from there. Are you responding in love (best you can) or with anger, vengence and any other emotion that's all stoked up now? Remember your sore spots and think, "is this what satan is up to, picking at a sore spot that hasn't healed or I haven't let go of yet"? The stronger you become as a Christian, the more diabolical the enemy must become to get you to stumble.

The good news (pun intended) is that no matter what "scheme" the devil comes up with, we too have tools at our disposal. I personally begin with prayer. Not only for God's guidance in the situation, but also for discernment if He wants me to learn something from this. Next, I'll go to the Bible and begin reading right where I've left off (as it's amazing how often it speaks to what's going on). Lastly, I'll seek out various devotions for that day, and maybe even listen to a recent online message I haven't gotten around to yet. These are all very powerful weapons in your battle against the snake (and don't be shy about using them ALL when the time comes)!

Sometimes, a solution will become apparent right away. Sometimes, you'll have have to look back and study what developed, how it all went down, and how YOU personally responded. In the end, you may say, "ok Lord, I understand what you needed me to LEARN from this. Thank you!" And then sometimes, even after unleashing our full arsenal at the enemy, the situation refuses to resolve itself. It's at these times that we need to reach out to other Christians for their support, prayers and thoughts about what's going on. "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17) There is no shame in seeking others input and help, as NOBODY is immune from satan's attacks.

​"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

​Don't try to fight these battles all on your own (especially when the enemy refuses to relent). Ask for God's guidance and then call on your brothers and sisters in Christ for support. And lastly, no matter how ferocious the attack may become, never forget that "if God is for us, who can possibly stand against us."

p.s.
*spoiler alert*

No matter what satan does or tries to do to us "now", ultimately he loses BIG TIME in the end!

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