SPIRITUAL
ATTACKS
We go on now to look at another major problem area which we will
encounter in increasing measures as we live in the last days. This is the area
of increased activity of the evil one in spiritual attacks and warfare.
We see an example of such attacks in the life of Job in the Old
Testament. We can remember Job encountering various painful problems in the
family, in his possessions, and even in his social life and physical well-being,
all as a result of attacks from the evil one. We are aware also that these
attacks came about not because of any significant ground that had been given on
Job's part. The Lord God had allowed these because of His confidence in Job and
because of His being pleased generally with Job's life. We see therefore that
spiritual attacks from the evil one can take place even in the lives of those
whose general direction in life is pleasing to God. The apostle Paul himself and
the other apostles also encountered such forms of attacks, directed at their
personal lives and ministry, and these, as far as we know, were attacks not
because of any major failure in their lives. However, the Scriptures do indicate
that attacks of such nature may come about because of moral failure or spiritual
ground given to the evil one. We see this being referred to in 1 Corinthians
5:1,5 and 2 Corinthians 2:10-11. The evil one is certainly looking for
opportunity to take advantage of situations or areas of weaknesses in the lives
of believers to launch various forms of attacks.
It is with this in view that the apostle Peter urged the children of God
to be vigilant and alert in 1 Peter 5:7. Like a roaring lion, the prince of this
world is waiting to pounce on his victims. It becomes easier for him to operate
if God's people are not conscious of spiritual warfare. Their ignorance,
indifference and lack of alertness may render them more prone to being
manipulated by the prince of darkness. There needs therefore to be a healthy
awareness of the spiritual realm and the principles of spiritual warfare and,
yet, without being preoccupied with
spiritual attacks.
Spiritual attacks and activity of the evil one will be more pronounced in
the context of the last days (see Revelation 2:10; 13:5-19; 16:13-14). There are
clear indications that the activity of the evil one and his forces will increase
in tempo and intensity and their objective will be to hamper or destroy the work
and people of God. Also, the forces of darkness will seek to rally the people of
the world and their leaders to their side. Here, let us note that in trying to
do this, they will perform signs and wonders to deceive and impress even the
believers. We cannot therefore allow such acts to be the basis for our
differentiation between the activity of God and the activity of the evil one.
Supernatural acts need not be acts of God. The devil can dress up as an angel of
light. Perhaps one reason for the increased activity of the forces of darkness
can be found in Revelation 12:12. The time for the evil one is truly limited and
he realises that his time is running out. Hence, he will seek to do as much
damage as he can in the remaining time he has.
In the light of all these, how should God's children respond? As we
encounter the attacks of the evil one in increasing pressure, let us not be
discouraged, particularly if the attacks are not as a result of our own moral
failure. Instead, let us take heart in the fact that because his time is
limited, the evil one is desperately seeking to establish as much influence as
he can and the various attacks could be an indication that we are on the right
track in our lives and ministry. John 16:33 is one verse we can cling to as the
basis for our confidence in the last days. Let us take courage that the Lord
Jesus has indeed overcome the world. Victory has been secured by Him and victory
is certain in Him if we learn to cling to Him. John 14:27 is another reassuring
verse. In the midst of all the increased activity of the evil one, let us not be
troubled or fearful in our hearts. Let us learn instead to rest in the Lord and
to continue to experience continuous peace in our hearts.
At the same time, let us pay heed to the words of the apostle Paul as we
seek to do battle (see Ephesians 6:10-18). We need to be strong in the Lord as
we realise who our foes are. We must learn to take up the full armor of God and
be ready for battle, to resist in the evil day and stand firm in God. It is a
time for us to be alert and sober. It is also a time for us to live well for the
Lord, giving no room and no ground for the evil one to take opportunity to hurt
us in this spiritual battle. The battle cry is to persevere and to endure. Let
us fight the good fight and finish the race.
"And they overcame him because
of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they
did not love their life even when faced with death" (Revelation 12:11).
Notice the three aspects that contributed to the victory of the saints over the
evil one. The first has to do with the blood of the Lamb, with what the Lord
Jesus has accomplished on the cross. This is the basis of their confidence and
victory. The blood of the Lamb cleanses them; it gives them the victory over sin
and death such that the evil one, the accuser of the brethren, has no ground to
hurt them. The other two aspects, the word of their testimony and they did not
love their life even when faced with death, indicate the quality of the lives of
these dear ones in the Lord. With such a stand, they were able to overcome the
evil one.
Although the attacks are designed to weaken and destroy, yet these very
attacks are used by God to strengthen the lives of His people who manifest
wholesome and commendable qualities in their lives. It therefore comes as no
surprise that such ones overcome the evil one despite the increased intensity
and tempo of spiritual attacks. The pressures take their toll on the weak
soldier, but for the warrior, the very same pressures would mould and make him
to be battle seasoned and fighting fit.
Persecution, physical upheavals, spiritual attacks - all these can break
and discourage the people of God - yet paradoxically, they can also serve to
make and strengthen the character and quality of the lives of those who respond
well. Our attitude, our responses and our choices in God would make the
essential difference. Let us determine to keep the banner of the Lord flying and
to endure until the Lord Jesus comes again.