Spiritual attacks can take us out at the knees even when we are seeking God in a powerful way. When you are going through a period of learning God’s Word and growing closer to Him, be prepared for attacks that pull you further away from His Spirit.
Fear of attacks is an area where I struggle. We don’t want to be attacked by the enemy, but we don’t always get what we want when we are seeking a closer relationship with God. These tests are to be expected and used as an opportunity to prevail and reveal God’s glory.
Sometimes I feel as though the more I do in His name, the more obstacles and attacks I encounter. The enemy wants to takes us down so God will not be glorified. When we are a mouthpiece for the Holy One, we are a threat to evil. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
We have to make sure our spirit is ready for God’s Spirit to move, even under attack. To allow God’s Spirit to move more freely, we need to clean out the clutter that grows within us. We need to prepare to clean out all the stagnant areas and purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God,” 2 Corinthians 7:1
What a profound calling. Is it even possible? As I analyzed my spiritual life, I identified many hurts, hang-ups, and hardships that I allowed to inhabit the deepest parts of my soul. Like many of us, I revisit the familiar ones over and over again. Comfort resides in the normalcy of the clutter inhabiting our spirits. Cluttered areas are where the enemy takes deep hold and attacks easily.
I don’t like looking at the ugly parts of my life. Cleaning these areas is not easy. Pride supersedes humbleness. When we assess the areas needed to purify our spirit from everything that contaminates, it reveals a need for a spiritual rinsing. We have to rinse the crevices of our soul. The deeper I look in my spirit, the more apparent the need becomes. I actually need a spiritual cleansing with a commercial-sized power washer that gets deep into the crevices. Our souls need scrubbing even if we don’t want to, even if it makes us uncomfortable.
When have you felt the most spiritual attacks in your life? Are there areas in your spirit you need to use a commercial power washer to clean out the crevices? It may not be easy but we can do it!
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work,” 2 Corinthians 9:8.
#makingroombook Chapter 3
