Spiritual Attack
Lately, I’ve been really intentional when discerning if and how I can possibly add another item to my plate. I am so guilty at being open to everything the Lord brings my way. Be it good, or best, I find myself obeying always. You would say this is a good virtue to have but sometimes I’m so tired and I just can’t do what is asked of me as much as my heart says yes my old body says I just can’t right now.
At the end of the day, it’s important to take care of myself and my family to make sure that I am healthy to care for the souls that God has put in front of me.
This is so hard for me, because I give until it hurts. I often forget about myself until it becomes too much and I’m tired and cranky and charity can easily slip through my hands. When this happens I sometimes fall into the temptation of allowing my giving nature to run me down to more than I can quickly recover from.
If I am totally honest with you, I am like most women desperately trying my hardest to balance being a Martha and being a Mary. Mary always had the best part, and we can’t deny that, but it has to be a healthy balance as a woman. But seriously how do you balance and discern if the next thing you need to do is what God is calling you to do.
It’s quite simple. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer.
Asking for God’s grace and wisdom to make a good decision will always be the best thing you can do for your family. Even if it gives you a minute or five to think things through. I am really horrible at this, and why I’m trying my hardest to be better so that I can give more.
Exhaustion is often mixed in with being a mother, but oftentimes it can cloud your judgement and allow yourself to be open to temptation and spiritual attacks. I know being tired brings down walls for me, and I sometimes don’t like what it reveals. Especially when it involves snapping at the ones that love me.
I’M SORRY!
Spiritual attacks come in subtle ways and you can often be blindsided and not understand where your peace has gone.
Here are a few signs that you are under spiritual attack: (Author Unknown)
1. Loss of spiritual desire. The goal of any spiritual attack is to turn you away from what Jesus wants to do in your life. That is why the first warning sign of attack is a loss of spiritual desire. We don't live by feelings alone, but there is a difference between doing something merely out of obligation and doing something because you delight in it. When you delight in the Lord, nothing else compares. Someone passionate for Jesus Christ finds pleasure in the things of God.
2. Physical fatigue. The second warning sign is physical fatigue. I know that doesn't sound very spiritual, but keep in mind that we are created beings—spirit, soul, and body. If my body is weak, it allows things to get into my mind (soul), and that allows things to negatively affect my spirit. Many times we face our greatest attacks just before a great promotion or just after a great victory. Keep in mind when you're going through it—an attack could very well be an indication that you are about to be promoted or just had a great victory.
3. "Lack attack." The third sign that you are under attack is a "lack attack." There are times when it seems that all of your resources dry up at the same time. The enemy attacks in this to get you to take your eyes off of Jesus and put your eyes on money. If he can get you worrying rather than worshiping, you will start making decisions based on opportunity rather than anointing. Always remember there are two times in your life when you are especially vulnerable to temptation: when you have nothing and when you have everything. Stay close to Jesus Christ in both the good times and the bad times.
4. Weak prayer life. The fourth sign that you are under spiritual attack is a weakening prayer life. "Could you not watch with Me one hour?" Jesus asked His disciples. Then He told them, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matt. 26:40-41).
5. Feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Are you feeling overwhelmed by circumstances? That could be a sign that you are under attack. The word circumstance comes from two words: circum (encircle) and stance (stand). In other words, you are standing encircled by what's going on. It doesn't take long for feelings of being overwhelmed to lead to hopelessness. The Bible says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Prov. 13:12). It also tells us, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). If the enemy can get you to lose hope, he can get you to stop living by faith.
6. Old habits and lifestyles resurface. The sixth sign that you are under spiritual attack is that old iniquities begin to resurface in your life. What is an iniquity? Some consider iniquities to be those old habits that your soul wants to fall back on when things aren't going your way—things that indulge the flesh. If this begins to happen, do not ignore the warning conviction of the Holy Spirit.
7. Pulling away from Godly relationships. When old iniquities start tempting you, the next sign of spiritual attack is sure to follow: pulling away from godly relationships. Look around. Have you pulled out of relationships with people at church or with people in your small group? Are more and more of your friends carnally minded rather than spiritually minded? If so, you are stumbling around the battleground and the enemy has a target on your head.
8. Five "Do Nots" to Break the Enemy's Attack. Once you've taken a stand against the enemy's attack, here are five "do nots" you must remember.
Do not forget who made you. God created you with storms in mind. He has equipped you and you are going to make it through in Him.
Do not forsake the time and place of prayer. Two things that are vital to a successful prayer life: a time of prayer and a place of prayer.
Do not forsake the place of power. Your church is a place of power.
Do not forsake the power of partnership. It is good to be around people who have lived longer, done more than you have and can give wise counsel. That are on the same journey, just a few steps ahead.
Do not disconnect from pastoral protection. I have often seen people under attack whom I wanted to pull close and help, but they refused. Don't wait until the enemy is tearing you to pieces to seek the aid of those in a pastoral role in your life.
If you are under attack, you can arm yourself against the enemy's schemes, equip yourself to fight and win!
Rest | Pray | Discern | Ask For Help From Your Friends | Seek Direction | Eucharist | Visit the Blessed Sacrament | Confession
