When Satan Attacks 1 Pet 5: 8 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
We know that the devil is a roaring lion… seeking whom he may devour [1 Pet 5:8]. He patiently waits for optimum times to attack. Here are some of the more obvious times when you can expect the devil to attack.
Satan Attacks:
Right After You’re Born Again
Ex 1:22, Matt 2:16 – the drowning of the boys by Pharaoh, and the killing of the children by Herod both picture attacks by the devil on newborn babes in Christ. These attacks are generally manifested as interference by religious wolves [Acts 20:29], the deceptive wooing by pastors who corrupt the word of God [Acts 20:30], and the introduction of false doctrine [Eph 4:14]. Therefore, it is essential, if the Lord has recently saved you, that you get in a good Bible believing church. And if you know someone recently saved, it is very helpful for you to disciple them.
Right After A Spiritual Blessing
Ex 16-17 – Amalek attacked right after God delivered Israel from Pharaoh at the Red Sea and miraculously provided them with manna from heaven and water out of the rock. From mountain top to valley and back again. That’s why we have the whole armor of God [Eph 6:10-18]. You’re always in the battle; there are just moments of reprieve and their are battle victories. Keep going forward just like the Jews did after they left Egypt and then came to the Red Sea [Ex 14:15]. Don’t give up the ground you have gained.
During An Emotionally Trying Time
1 Tim 2:14-15 – child bearing is an emotionally trying time for parents. Therefore, parents must “continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety”. During emotionally trying times, you must continue in the things that keep you stable, rooted, grounded and strong. Otherwise, you could easily become prey for the devil [1 Pet 5:6-9].
During Periods of Exhaustion
1 Ki 19:1-4; Matt 4:1-11 – Elijah was exhausted after the showdown with the priests of Baal at Carmel, after killing the 450 prophets of Baal [1 Ki 18:40] and after running in front of Ahab’s chariot all the way to Jezreel. And then Jezebel threatened her retaliatory attack. Elijah was ready to quit and die. Jesus was exhausted after fasting 40 days and nights. And the devil attacked. When you are overwhelmed with all that comes your way in life, beware of an attack. The best thing to do is stop, rest and draw very close to the Lord. Don’t pile on more to do. Your natural tendency under stress is to take on more stuff.
During Occasions of Disobedience
2 Cor 2:10-11 – Paul said of Satan, “We are not ignorant of his devices.” Paul knew that the devil could hurt the Corinthians if they didn’t forgive the fellow who messed up in 1 Cor 5. God has given us specific commands in the Bible which we must obey. Failure to obey leaves an opening for the devil.
One caveat is this. Attacks are not to be confused with trials which are to prove you [Ex 15:25-26]. Jesus learned obedience by the things that he suffered [Heb 5:8]. The Lord will prove you to see if you will obey him or follow another person instead. These are not attacks by the devil. If you fail the trial and disobey the Lord, you will find yourself open to attack.
During Times of Separation
1 Cor 7:5 – in marriage, a husband and wife are not to be separate for too long because of the potential for Satan to tempt them. This is not only true in marriage but also in the church. When you are separate from the flock, you are open to attack.
Conclusion to When Satan Attacks
When you know these instances when Satan may attack, you can be particularly vigilant during these times. You never want to leave yourself unguarded. But you definitely want to be on guard when you go through one of these events. Leaving yourself unprotected can be devastating.