Trials
I have encountered every challenge mentioned below. The flood had a long-lasting impact on both my life and my husband’s. Throughout this period, the weight of the ongoing personal struggle often tempted me, leading to frequent complaints and placing blame. This mindset ultimately took a toll on my health due to the constant stress. A medication prescribed for my illness gave the adversary an upper hand, making it nearly impossible for me to hear God’s voice for over ten years, which left me feeling isolated.
Despite the challenges I faced, God always remained in control. Throughout the long decade of mostly silence, I held onto the memory of His love to keep myself from falling back into old habits. It was a time of immense loneliness. However, as soon as I acknowledged my mistake and stopped relying on medication, I could once again hear God’s voice with clarity. Reflecting on the past, I now understand that my error was shifting my gaze away from Jesus and becoming consumed by troubles that occurred around me. Safeguarding our spiritual journey is our own responsibility, and God has equipped us with everything necessary to fulfill that obligation.
Common Spiritual Assault
The Flood
When the adversary of God approaches like a flood, it may manifest as a torrent of thoughts that threaten to steal your peace and overwhelm your mind. Alternatively, it could occur in a physical sense, where everything seems to go wrong. In both cases, the underlying issue is a spiritual attack designed to discourage you from following God. Its aim is to distract you from hearing God’s voice and walking in His ways, ultimately leading to destruction in your life and causing you to lose heart. The enemy wants to make you feel isolated from God, creating a sense of abandonment.
The adversary knows he cannot defeat God directly, so he targets God’s children, who live under his influence in this world. He exploits our lack of understanding through deception, confusion, and intimidation. During these challenging times, it is essential not to panic or lose sight of Jesus. Instead, we should use these moments to seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer and studying His Word.
Renew your mind to establish your identity in Christ. Focus on God’s goodness rather than the storms around you. Remember that you are not alone; the Holy Spirit is with you. The flood represents the enemy’s attempt to hinder your walk with God. While the flood may persist for a time, stand firm in the truth of the Lord until it passes or until the Lord intervenes.
“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” (Isa 59:19 KJV)
"And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." (Mat 8:24-26 KJV)
The Past
The enemy often reintroduces old friends or familiar situations that tempt you to revert to your former self. Additionally, various human desires can influence your choices. For instance, “the lust of the flesh” refers to temptations that appeal to our physical desires and sinful pleasures. The “lust of the eyes” involves coveting what belongs to others, while the “pride of life” pertains to desires for power, personal recognition, spiritual pride, envy, judgment, and self-pity.
When you recognize that you are being tempted, it is essential to remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible. If the temptation is physical, leave that environment. If it is mental, focus on God rather than on people. Turn to God and ask Him for the strength to resist these temptations. It is also important to study the Word of God and surround yourself with supportive individuals who can help you spiritually. Engage in activities that glorify God. Until you feel stronger, remain vigilant and pay close attention to your attitude.
"Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2Ti 2:22 WEB)
“Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, produces death.” (Jas 1:12-15 WEB)
Dry Times
Being in the wilderness and feeling disconnected from God can be a lonely experience. Several factors may contribute to this sense of distance. One uncomfortable possibility is that there might be a heart issue we are unwilling to confront, leading to God’s silence. Additionally, our physical, mental, and emotional pain—stemming from various life experiences—can contribute to this feeling of separation. Sometimes, you may be on the verge of a spiritual breakthrough, and the enemy may attempt to block your ability to hear God’s voice.
Regardless of the reason for your spiritual dryness, the solution lies in spending time communicating with the Father. I recommend reading God’s Word and listening to worship music to refresh your heart and invite the Holy Spirit to move. Gathering with other believers to worship and discuss the Lord will also strengthen your spirit. If you still feel empty after taking these steps, consider incorporating fasting and prayer into your routine.
“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. Or who is there among you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Mat 7:7-11 WEB)
Isolation
If the adversary cannot lead you away from God, he will do his best to isolate you from other believers. When we feel spiritually weak or wounded, it’s natural to withdraw. What may start as alone time with God to recharge can quickly turn into isolation. However, God calls us to walk in unity with other members of Christ’s body, which can be incredibly challenging during difficult times. The adversary knows this and takes advantage of it by highlighting the flaws within the body of Christ.
The New Testament emphasizes the importance of unity, love, bearing one another’s burdens, valuing each other, and the necessity of many members of the same body working together. While I understand the reasons for withdrawing and isolating oneself, let me give you a compelling reason to rejoin: it is the will of King Jesus.
“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all.” (Eph 4:1-6 WEB)
“Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a great priest over God’s house, let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water, let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful. Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:19-25 WEB)
Not Alone
God is fully capable of addressing your challenges and difficulties—after all, He is your Father and cares deeply for you. It’s important to take time out of your day to communicate openly and honestly with Him about what you’re going through. Whether you’re facing personal struggles, worries about loved ones, or uncertainties in life, sharing your thoughts and feelings with God can provide you with guidance, comfort, and a sense of peace. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles; reach out to your Father in prayer and and allow the Holy Spirit to bring you comfort.
