Likewise, the Lord wants you to be alert — to recognize that you have a spiritual enemy who would love to weaken your faith and destroy your spiritual vitality. He may do it through attracting you with worldly things, or distracting you with hobbies or activities, or shaming you with guilt and ridicule, or any of his other tactics.

Don’t let your spiritual guard down. If things are going well, then deepen your relationship with God, look for ways to speak about Him to people around you, make your life count.

If things are going badly, your enemy will be trying to take advantage of that and make you discontent or resentful toward God.
“Resist him”, and keep trusting God. Praise God’s goodness in the middle of your battle. You will come through that experience a seasoned spiritual soldier with a much more mature faith.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, when I am under attack thank You for giving me the strength to stand firm and not shrink back or cower down. Instead of being crushed under the weight of my trial and falling into despair I will do what James said to do and I will “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4). Father, thank You for the power of Christ that is in me which gives me steadfastness, and makes me perfect, complete, and lacking nothing. Because of You and Your Word, nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, can make me stumble. “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Laura Ingle