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Grow in the Knowledge of God's Word

Be Aware of the Enemy and Resist the Devil


Ask God: It is interesting that the religious leaders did not come after Peter and John until they did the work of God. They healed a man and were thrown in jail. It calls for the question: Who was behind the opposition?

Good Evening Reader,

May God bless you as God reveals His truth to you.

God Bless.

Elvin

How Believers Handle Attacks by Satan

When Peace Meets Resistance

Every believer desires to walk in God's peace, fulfill His purpose, and experience the abundant life Jesus promised. Yet sooner or later, every Christian encounters resistance. Prayers seem delayed. Temptations become stronger. Discouragement settles in. Unexpected obstacles appear, and even friends turn against them. What once seemed clear becomes clouded with doubt and confusion.

We may find ourselves asking, "Why is this happening to me?" Is it simply a difficult season of life, the result of poor decisions, or could there be a spiritual battle taking place behind the scenes?

The Bible teaches that Satan is real and actively seeks to oppose God's people. However, God has not left us defenseless or uncertain about how to respond. Throughout Scripture, we find ordinary men and women who faced spiritual attacks yet overcame through faith and obedience to the Word of God.

The good news is that every attack carries within it an opportunity for victory. When we understand the enemy's tactics and learn God's strategy for overcoming them, fear gives way to confidence, and confusion yields to clarity.

In this article, we will discover how believers can recognize spiritual attacks, stand firm in faith, and walk in the victory Christ has already won.

Do Not Be Surprised When Opposition Comes

Many believers assume that if they are doing God's will, everything should go smoothly. Yet the Bible shows the opposite can often be true. When God is moving, resistance frequently appears. Those who do not take a stand for God may not face the same opposition as fervent believers do.

Acts 4:1-22 gives a powerful example. Peter and John had just witnessed an amazing miracle. Through the power of Jesus Christ, a man who had been lame from birth was healed. The people were amazed, and Peter used the opportunity to preach about Jesus. Lives were being changed, and God's work was advancing.

However, not everyone was happy about it. The priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees became greatly disturbed by what Peter and John were teaching. Instead of celebrating the healing, they focused on stopping the message. They arrested Peter and John and put them in jail overnight.

Imagine how easy it would have been for Peter and John to become discouraged. They had obeyed God, helped a suffering man, and preached the truth. Yet they were rewarded with opposition and imprisonment from the leaders of the Temple.

As believers today, we may face similar situations. A person may begin teaching a Bible class, serving in ministry, sharing their faith, or helping others grow spiritually. Instead of receiving support, they may encounter criticism and resistance.

The lesson is clear. Opposition does not automatically mean we are outside God's will. Sometimes, it is evidence that God's work is making an impact. Peter and John did not quit when resistance came. They remained faithful, trusted God, and continued speaking boldly about Jesus. We must learn to do the same.

Stand on God's Truth Instead of Fear

One of Satan's favorite weapons is fear. He wants believers to focus on the size of the problem rather than the greatness of God. Fear can cause people to stop moving forward long before an actual obstacle stops them.

Peter and John faced a situation that could have produced fear. They stood before powerful religious leaders who had the authority to punish them. These were the same leaders who had opposed Jesus. The pressure to remain silent must have been intense.

Yet Peter did not allow fear to control him. Acts 4 says that he was filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly answered his accusers. Instead of defending himself, he pointed everyone back to Jesus Christ. Peter understood that God's truth was greater than human threats.

We face many forms of fear. Some fear rejection from family members or friends. Others fear failure, criticism, or uncertainty about the future. Fear tries to convince us that we should remain silent, step back, or abandon what God has called us to do.

The answer is to fill our hearts and minds with God's Word. When fear speaks, we can answer with God's promises. When doubt appears, believers can remember God's faithfulness. When circumstances look impossible, believers can focus on what God says rather than what they see.

Faith does not mean pretending problems do not exist. Faith means believing that God is greater than those problems. Peter and John were fully aware of the danger around them, but they chose to trust God anyway.

Christians will face moments when fear tries to take control. The key is to stand firmly on God's truth and refuse to let fear determine our actions.

Keep Moving Forward in God's Purpose

One of the greatest mistakes we can make during spiritual attacks is to stop what God has called us to do. Satan often uses opposition and betrayal to convince people to quit.

The religious leaders in Acts 4 commanded Peter and John not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Their goal was simple. They wanted to stop the spread of the gospel. If they could silence the messengers, they could slow the movement of God.

Peter and John understood what was at stake. They respectfully listened, but they refused to abandon God's assignment. They declared that they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard. Their commitment to God's purpose was stronger than the pressure around them.

This principle remains important for us today. Spiritual attacks often come when we are making progress. We should always strive to grow in prayer, to teach others, and to reach people with the gospel. Out of the blue, obstacles will arise, discouragement may increase, and opportunities may disappear.

At those moments, the temptation is to quit. Yet quitting is exactly what the enemy hopes believers will do.

God calls His people to remain faithful. Progress may slow for a season, but faithfulness keeps moving forward. The Christian who continues to pray, study God's Word, and obey God will eventually see victory.

Peter and John did not allow opposition to determine their future. They stayed focused on God's mission. As a result, the church continued to grow, and countless lives were changed.

When we as believers face attacks today, we should remember this powerful lesson. The goal is not merely to survive the battle. The goal is to continue fulfilling God's purpose while trusting Him every step of the way.

Go Forth, Continue Serving God

Spiritual attacks are a reality for all who believe in Christ, but they do not have to result in defeat. Peter and John showed us that opposition is not a sign to quit but an opportunity to trust God more deeply. When resistance comes, we must stand on God's Word, refuse to be controlled by fear, and remain faithful to the purpose God has given us. Satan's goal is to discourage and distract, but God's power is greater than any attack. As we keep our eyes on Christ and continue obeying Him, we can walk in confidence, victory, and unwavering faith.

Elvin

PS. Share your newfound knowledge with you friends.

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin@AskGodFor.com and let me know what you think of the lessons.

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