Have you ever wondered why the enemy seems to constantly attack you? Why you feel this relentless pressure, not on your possessions or loved ones, but deep within your peace? For a long time, I pondered this, asking the Lord to reveal the nature of these attacks. Today, I want to share with you what I’ve discovered and how you can make these attacks irrelevant to your life. Guaranteed, you'll see how to make the enemy feel unwanted.

Why Does the Enemy Attack Us?

First, we need to understand the root cause of these attacks. The enemy targets us because we carry something that threatens him: purpose. When we are attacked, it’s because we possess something he doesn’t—something he envies. This jealousy manifests as discomfort, preventing us from finding love and compassion within ourselves and others.

Discomfort, at its core, is resistance. It’s that nagging feeling that something isn’t right, that you’re not yourself. It’s being out of your comfort zone, losing balance, and feeling out of control. We asked a few friends what discomfort means to them, and here’s what they said:

Morgan: "It's resistance to uncomfortable emotions. It's anything that disrupts your peace, and you just lean into it."

Ellie: "It makes me feel like I'm not myself. When I'm discomforted, I'm more guarded or agitated."

Lia-Kit: "You feel out of control because you're out of your comfort zone."

Discomfort is the enemy's tool to resist the continuation of what you already have. It’s the imbalance that pushes you out of the harmony you once enjoyed.

The Nature of Attacks

Attacks are distractions from our obedience to God. They’re designed to make us feel powerless, overtaken by things we don’t want to do. Think about the times you’ve binged on Netflix, Facebook, or indulged in unhealthy snacks. These moments of escape are the enemy's playground, where he exploits our internal struggles to keep us from dealing with our hearts.

One of the most significant internal struggles is rumination—dwelling on regrets, mistakes, and failed expectations. Rumination is essentially your ego getting hurt and leading you down a path of unbelief. And unbelief, my friends, is a door for the demonic. It’s the enemy’s foothold when we don’t trust the process or peace God offers.

Strategies for Overcoming Attacks

So, how do we fight back? Here’s a powerful strategy: Delay your response to the attack.

Imagine if Eve, when tempted by the serpent, had delayed her response and brought Adam into the conversation. The outcome might have been different. In your life, you can apply this by implementing the nine-second rule: when attacked, take nine seconds to tell the attack you'll come back to it. Then, in those nine minutes, bring Jesus into the situation and challenge yourself with Scripture.

Remember, satisfaction without growth is just contentment, while a challenge propels you beyond your old season.

Three Pillars of Focus

There are three essential life dimensions where God wants you to spend your time:

          1. Time with Yourself: Reflect and grow in solitude.

          2. Time in Relationships: Invest in those who uplift and challenge you.

          3. Time in Work: Find purpose and fulfillment in your endeavors.

Bringing Jesus into these pillars ensures His presence takes over, fostering healthy growth and deeper understanding.

Next Steps and Future Insights

Next week, we’ll delve into wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 4:4-7 highlights how Solomon's respect for wisdom, taught by his father David, positioned him for God’s favor. Solomon constantly reminded himself of his father’s teachings, bringing God’s attention and blessings.

Practical Application

Focus on the three pillars—self, relationships, and work. Use the gift of discernment to grow in Jesus. When attacked, remember the nine-second and nine-minute rules. This week, apply these strategies and watch for incredible results.

Conclusion

Jesus wants to give you the power to challenge your attacks, transforming them into opportunities for growth. Embrace the challenge, bring Jesus into your situations, and let His wisdom guide you. Together, let's make the enemy feel unwanted and irrelevant in our lives.

Stay tuned for next week's exploration of wisdom and understanding. Until then, remember: in the face of attacks, delay, invite Jesus, and challenge yourself. You’re on the path to overcoming and thriving.


​This blog post is birthed out of the Nurturing Wisdom Group.

Ravi Kandal



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