What to Do When the Assault of the Enemy Comes

What to do when the assault of the enemy comes: It’s going to happen. We live in a fallen environment fraught with intense spiritual warfare. If your life in Christ counts for anything, the enemy will set his attention on you from time to time. Life inevitably presents challenges that can feel like overwhelming assaults. In such moments, turning to God’s unwavering strength and guidance is paramount. This message explores practical steps rooted in scripture to navigate these difficult times with faith and resilience.

Seeking Divine Intervention Through Fasting and Prayer

When faced with an overwhelming situation, seeking God’s intervention through focused prayer and fasting can be a powerful first step. Time-sensitive crises (such as situations when you are tempted to push the panic button) are known to yield particularly well to fasting. Fasting and prayer align our hearts and minds with His will, creating space for His guidance and strength to manifest. One book I recommend is by Franklin Hall titled “Atomic Power with God through Fasting and Prayer.” This book is readily available through many outlets. Jesus made the following statement when his disciples were confronting a demon:

[Matthew 17:21 KJV] Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

This verse underscores the potency of prayer and fasting in overcoming challenging circumstances. By intentionally setting aside earthly distractions and focusing on communion with God, we open ourselves to His power and deliverance. So if you find yourself in one of these intractable battles of the Spirit – fast. Do at least a three day “water only” fast. You won’t be disappointed.

The Power of Simple Prayer and Discernment

Keep your prayers simple. Avoid convoluted, complex ideas about what’s going on and how things can be better. Looking for sophisticated, complex spiritual warfare prayers is a form of unbelief. Jesus is a simple savior, and in simplicity He performs His greatest acts. In times of crisis, our prayers need not be elaborate. A simple cry for God’s mercy can be profoundly effective. Simultaneously, it is crucial to be discerning about the information and counsel we receive, recognizing that not all voices offer godly wisdom.

[Isa 58:6, 8 KJV] 6 [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? … 8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

This scripture assures us that in those seasons of Spirit directed fasting, God is near to those who sincerely call upon Him. Our heartfelt, simple prayers reach His ears, and He responds with His presence and grace.

Guarding Your Spirit and Seeking God’s Voice in the Night

Learn in times of warfare to be a gatherer of information not a dispenser of information. Sequester yourself spiritually and drill down in prayer. Don’t answer that phone call. Back off social media. Don’t hang out with people who have no prayer life. Protecting our spiritual environment is vital during times of assault. Limiting exposure to negativity and seeking God’s voice, even in the stillness of the night through prayer and attention to dreams, can provide clarity and direction.

[Job 33:14-16 KJV] For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction.

These verses highlight God’s multifaceted ways of communicating with us, including through dreams in the quiet of the night. By being receptive, we can gain valuable insights and guidance. If you need help with understanding what God is saying in your dreams, submit a dream interpretation request on the website.

The Wisdom of Choosing Counselors and Avoiding Regret

Exercising wisdom in choosing our counselors is essential. Learn to limited your counselors, for they can’t give you what they don’t have and precious time can be wasted. We should seek advice from those whose lives reflect the fruit of victory and godly character. Dwelling on past mistakes is unproductive; God’s grace is always available.

[Proverbs 13:20 KJV] He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel from wise individuals. Their experience and godly perspective can provide invaluable guidance.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare and the Power of Agreement

Recognizing that spiritual forces often operate through people underscores the need to lift those involved in prayer. Furthermore, seeking agreement and reconciliation, as scripture advises, can be a powerful key to releasing ourselves from adversarial situations.

[Matthew 5:25-26 KJV] Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

This passage encourages us to seek resolution and agreement in conflict. Spiritual agreement brings deliverance and will launch you into overcoming grace in the midst of battle. By addressing issues promptly, we can prevent further complications and potential entrapment.

The Transformative Power of Confessing God’s Word

Speak the word. Say it out loud. Get a copy of Charles Capps’ “God’s Creative Power: Gift Edition” and use it daily – it will put you in victory beyond your expectations. Declaring God’s Word aloud daily is a powerful practice that transforms our hearts and, consequently, our circumstances. What fills our hearts will ultimately shape our lives.

[Matthew 12:34 KJV] O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

This verse reminds us that our words reflect the state of our hearts. By intentionally speaking God’s truth, we cultivate faith and invite positive change.

Trusting God’s Sovereignty and Rejecting False Interpretations

While God does not orchestrate hardship, He is sovereign over all and will use even difficult situations for our growth and His glory. He is an opportunist and will take those struggles and from them bring great triumph. We must resist the temptation to assign simplistic or esoteric reasons for our trials that contradict God’s nature of goodness and abundant life.

[John 10:10 KJV] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Jesus’ words clearly state His desire for us to have abundant life. Difficulties are not part of His primary plan for us, though He will walk with us through them.

Cultivating Inner Stillness and Discerning God’s Guidance

Learning to quiet our own opinions and the noise of external voices is crucial for hearing God’s clear direction. When we believe we have heard from Him, seeking confirmation through seemingly coincidental events and then acting in faith is key.

[Psalm 46:10 KJV] Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

This verse encourages us to find stillness and recognize God’s sovereignty. In the quiet, we can better discern His voice and guidance.

Relinquishing Control and Trusting God’s Process

Releasing our grip on the desired outcome and anchoring our peace in Christ, regardless of the present circumstances, is vital for navigating trials with spiritual strength.

[Philippians 4:6-7 KJV] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This passage assures us that through prayer and trust, we can experience a peace that transcends our understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ.

Embracing God’s Unconventional Wisdom and Timing

God’s ways are often beyond our understanding, and He may lead us in directions that seem counterintuitive. Obedience to His confirmed will, even when it doesn’t make sense, allows us to align with His perfect timing and purposes.

[Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

These verses remind us that God’s perspective and plans are far beyond our own. Trusting His wisdom requires us to step outside our limited understanding.

Prioritizing God’s Kingdom and Resisting Distractions

Adversity can often be a tactic to distract us from our God-given assignments. Returning to what God has called us to do and focusing on His Kingdom purposes will ultimately overcome the enemy’s strategies.

[Matthew 6:33 KJV] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

This foundational scripture encourages us to prioritize God’s Kingdom above all else, trusting that He will provide what we need as we pursue His purposes.

Reflection and Review:

Navigating life’s assaults requires a conscious and consistent reliance on God’s Word and His Spirit. By embracing prayer, fasting, discernment, and obedience, we position ourselves to receive His strength and guidance. Remembering God’s unwavering love and sovereignty provides a firm foundation during turbulent times.

A Five-Part Call to Action:

• Commit to regular prayer and seeking God’s face, especially in times of difficulty.
• Be selective about the voices you listen to, prioritizing godly counsel.
• Engage with scripture daily, confessing its truth aloud.
• Trust in God’s sovereignty and resist assigning negative events to a flawed understanding of His will.
• Remain focused on God’s Kingdom purposes, refusing to be sidetracked by adversity.