NOT TODAY SATAN! 5 Steps to Recognize & Respond to Spiritual Attack

Following Jesus puts us in the middle of a very real battle against evil - Satan loves to trip you up, keep you down and steal your joy. These 5 steps can give you the upper hand as you face the attacks that come your way.

Be aware of the enemy’s tactics - the Bible tells us Satan prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour. His mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. He is the father of lies and loves to twist the truth to make us doubt God’s goodness. We need to be aware of his schemes so that we can stay on the offensive and not be caught off guard by his attacks.

See John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8

Renew your mind - sometimes our thoughts take us down a path that leads to harmful behavior. The enemy is skilled at using manipulation, doubt, confusion, guilt, and shame to turn our hearts away from God’s truth. That’s why it’s so important to “take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.” In Christ there is freedom, forgiveness, hope, and life. When we surrender our thought life to Jesus, he will reveal lies we’re believing and point us back to the truth.

See 2 Corinthians 10:5 and Romans 12:1-2

Memorize and speak scripture - Jesus quoted scripture to Satan when tempted after his 40 days in the wilderness. He knew God’s word was a powerful weapon against spiritual attack. Scripture memorization arms us with truths we can use to block the enemy’s arrows. There are abundant resources available to find verses for specific struggles and subjects - a quick web search or Bible concordance can point you in the right direction. Get familiar with God’s word so that you can declare its truth over your life and cling to the promises found within.

See Matthew 4:1-11 and 1 Corinthians 10:13

Step into the light - when we are caught up in sin, we tend to move away from the light. We hide and conceal our struggles, becoming isolated from people and surroundings that can help us. Satan loves to keep us in the dark, stuck in a cycle of shame and fear. Confession has the power to break off the chains that hold us captive there. 1 John 1:9 says, “But when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Receive the healing and freedom that comes from stepping into the light.

See Ephesians 5:8-11, 1 John 1:7, James 5:16, Romans 8:1-2

Pray - what better way to combat spiritual attack than to stop and pray? Prayer immediately shifts our focus to God and reminds us to lean on His power. We can pray any time, from anywhere for divine intervention. He hears us and will give us what we need to overcome temptation. Make prayer your go-to response when difficulties arise. Find a trusted prayer warrior who will regularly pray for you, and watch your faith grow as you see God answer!

Matthew 26:41, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6-7