Think back to a time when you had fantastic weekend away with fellow Christians, only to return to life feeling “off”. Maybe you were depressed or on edge? Perhaps your spouse got on your nerves more than usual. Could it be a coincidence? Doubtful.
Has it ever crossed your mind that you may actually be more susceptible to evil attacks during a time like this? Think about it. Your bucket is full after a weekend of worshiping and spending time with some of God’s kids. You feel closer to Him and want to share that with everyone. The Evil One can’t have that! Not only did your heart for Jesus grow during this time, but so did the target on your back.
Spiritual Growth Opportunities
This past weekend I had the privilege to get away with some sisters in Christ at a women’s conference in town. We worshipped, we listened to amazing speakers, we praised our Lord and we cried together. It was incredibly up-lifting. We were challenged to be transformed from the person that we walked in as. And I was ready to take that challenge. I laid down some darkness I’d been holding on to, ready to shine His light into every nook and cranny I come across. As the saying goes, “I was on FIRE.”
As we drove home, I had plans. I was going to be so loving to my husband and would ignore all those lies I frequently hear that remind me of things he does that annoy me. I would also be nice in traffic, never feel anger towards my baby girl or pets, and would be kind to everyone I met, no matter the circumstances. And in that moment, I meant it. After what I’d just experienced, I was so full of love and light from the One who gave it all, I didn’t see how this wasn’t realistic. No part of me could imagine feeling anything less than this. I was a changed women.
Back in the World
Of course I didn’t believe I was going to change the entire world. But I was ready to be the light to the people in my life. I’m well aware that we can make a very big difference to the people He puts in our path. Family, friends, the cashier at the store — and those were the people I was ready to love, however I could. Bring it on!
Within 30 minutes of returning home, I got in touch with my husband and, oddly enough, his plans didn’t line up with my hopes/expectations for the rest of the afternoon. I’m embarrassed to admit… I hung up on him. You are probably thinking: “What?! You just said you were full of love!” Yes, I know. I was. And then my human nature took over.
Immediately, I dialed a friend with whom I’d just parted ways and screeched, “I did it again!! I was so ready to be different, and then I acted like I always do!” She lovingly reminded me that we don’t change over night. She was right. But I wish it was possible. In that conference room, I was ready. Then I rejoined the world and here I was, believing the lies in my head that drive my expectations.
Evil Attacks Through Lies
Over the next 24 hours, I continued to battle the lies that told me my husband was against me. I heard things like:
“He doesn’t really care about you.”
“He’s the crazy one, not you.”
“He’s changed, you might as well just give up.”
The tough thing was, the lies were in a familiar voice — mine. Not only did I walk away from the conference ready to be changed, but I was also on an emotional high. Let’s just say these emotions were not easy to reign in. Tears flowed more easily than usual and added to the volatility of the situation. I was a hot mess.
On Monday morning, I think we were each grateful to part ways, feeling exhausted from the ups and downs of the past day and a half. As I discussed my weekend with a friend via text, I shared how amazing that conference I went to was. In another text I shared how my husband and I weren’t exactly in sync and how frustrating it was.
Truth in Love
Her text back was profound:
“That sounds like it could be Evil trying to pull you down and discourage you after a weekend of community and truth.”
She hit the nail on the head! I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me that that could be happening! The speakers even warned us about this!
As soon as I realized what was happening, I immediately went to His Word and read verses that give me courage when I feel Evil attacking me. My hope is you might find these verses encouraging when you find yourself in a similar situation, or just when you feel you are in the midst of evil attacks.
My 10 Go-To Verses When Evil Attacks
“‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication is from me,’ declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” Romans 8:31
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” 1 Peter 5:8-9
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them; because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; they did no love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11
