Do you feel under attack? Perhaps there is a specific person who acts like a relentless bully in your life. Or maybe the constant challenges you face make it feel like an unseen adversary is always present. Just as every step forward against a stubborn obstacle feels like pushing against an unyielding wall, so too can the attacks of an enemy feel persistent and draining.
Interestingly, our enemies can take many forms. They might be a complete stranger, someone we trust, or even, unexpectedly, ourselves. If you recognize the negative impact of an external foe or the sting of being your own worst enemy, this blog offers guidance. We will explore how to identify both the enemies around us and the ones within, providing simple, faith-based solutions to overcome their influence and transform your life for the better.
Identifying the Relentless Nature of the Enemy
So, what’s the crucial first step in overcoming these attacks? Identify your enemy. This begins with understanding their character. The core nature of an enemy is often their relentless persistence. They rarely give up easily and will stop at nothing to undermine you. Scripture confirms this: “For they sleep not, except they have done mischief” (Proverbs 4:16 KJV). Let’s look at some powerful examples from the Bible.
Biblical Examples of Relentless Enemies:
- David and Saul: The story vividly illustrates Saul’s consuming envy and hatred for David, despite David’s respect. Driven by jealousy, Saul relentlessly pursued David, making it seem like his sole mission in life was to hunt him down.
- Pharaoh and the Exodus: Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal to release the Israelites, despite repeated warnings and devastating consequences, highlights an enemy’s unwavering determination. Even after the death of his own son, his resolve remained, ultimately costing him his life in his relentless pursuit.
- Beyond: The Bible is filled with similar accounts: Balak’s persistent attempts to curse Israel through the diviner Balaam, Sanballat and Tobiah’s tireless efforts to halt the rebuilding of Jericho, and even Herod’s attempt to kill all newborns to eliminate the infant Jesus, the messiah. These stories reveal a common thread: enemies are often characterized by their relentless and unwavering pursuit.
If you’ve experienced blatant and persistent attacks from someone in your life, you’ve likely already identified your enemy. While this explanation may seem lengthy to those who already know their adversaries, understanding this relentless nature is crucial. Knowing your enemy’s resolute character compels us to remain vigilant. As 1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
The Power of Vigilance and Faith
Vigilance alone may not stop attacks, but it provides the wisdom and understanding needed for preparation. Preparation, in turn, offers protection. Think of it as preparing for battle and wearing armour to deflect or absorb the impact of weapons or projectiles that would be used against you. Spiritually, this protective armour is faith in God. Ephesians 6:16 emphasizes the importance of “the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” This faith is the driving force behind overcoming the attacks of our adversary.
When You Are Your Own Enemy: Recognizing Internal Obstacles
But what if you are the enemy in your own life? How do you identify this internal adversary? Simply put, it manifests when you consistently fail to achieve the results you desire. When life doesn’t produce the outcomes you long for, it can indicate a lack of God’s protection, often stemming from a lack of faith. Whether you desire a happy marriage, financial security, career advancement, or better health, God’s protection, fueled by faith, is essential.
Sin: The Root of Internal Conflict
A lack of faith in God often opens the door to sin. Sin is both evidence of a lack of faith and fear of God and a significant reason why you might be struggling. Isaiah 59:1-2 clearly states, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Just as mounting evidence of wrongdoing in court leads to consequences, sin operates similarly, producing spiritual consequences that result in adverse life outcomes.
What exactly is sin in this context? Often, our internal battles – be it mental illness, negative habits, or personality flaws – stem from the root of sin. Sin leaves us vulnerable to the enemy’s suggestions and influences. These influences can manifest as internal flaws such as fearfulness, arrogance, selfishness, cruelty, greed, stubbornness, gossip, envy, or covetousness. These character traits, and many others, can severely hinder your ability to live the life you desire. Consider how traits like selfishness or envy could sabotage a marriage.
The Path to Victory: Repentance and Righteousness
However, God’s Word provides clear instructions on how to live. We are called to turn away from sin. James 4:7 urges, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” His Word also commands us to follow a righteous path. Psalm 34:14 (KJV) instructs, “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Pursuing righteousness brings blessings and protection. Matthew 5:6 (NKJV) promises, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
Faith in action is key. Faith alone isn’t enough for God’s complete protection; He desires us to walk in His ways. James 2:17 reminds us, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Jesus Christ not only died for our sins but also served as an example of how His followers should live. While perfection like Jesus is unattainable, striving to live a righteous life that pleases God, rooted in faith in our Saviour, is crucial.
The Power Within: Honesty and Intentionality
The good news is that you possess the power to transform your life for the better, and the solution begins within. This requires honesty, admitting your sins, and turning away from them. Acknowledging that you might be the cause of your struggles can be challenging, even for devoted Christians. However, you didn’t stumble upon this blog by accident; your presence here indicates a search for solutions and a desire for a better outcome.
Do you struggle to admit your faults? Implement intentionality in your life. This simple practice helps you be truthful with yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable. When you live intentionally, the need to always be right or feel good diminishes. Instead, your primary focus shifts towards achieving your goals. This is when you begin to operate in truth and acknowledge it. Truth becomes the driving force, propelling your actions with intention and purpose.
Scripture reinforces the importance of truthfulness and admitting our shortcomings. 1 Peter 5:6-7 advises, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” James 4:6 also states, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” God emphasizes humility because He understands our human imperfection. He desires us to acknowledge, repent of, and forsake our sins, turning back to Him. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provides the grace of His shed blood to cleanse us from our sins. And wonderfully, Psalm 136:1 proclaims, “His mercy endures forever!” How truly amazing is that!
The Example of David: A Life Transformed
We’ve explored vigilance, faith, fearing the Lord, departing from sin, walking righteously, intentional confession, repentance, and humility as essential to overcoming our enemies both around us and within us. But do these qualities truly produce results? Let’s examine the life of David:
David’s unwavering faith in God’s promises empowered him to defeat Goliath. His vigilance allowed him to anticipate and escape Saul’s relentless attacks. Despite his significant sins of adultery and murder, David demonstrated profound humility and repentance, leading to the restoration of God’s favour. He also committed himself to righteousness by establishing a just kingdom reflecting God’s principles. Ultimately, David consistently sought God’s guidance through prayer and followed the path God laid before him diligently.
The key takeaway from David’s life is this: though imperfect, his intentional pursuit of a righteous life through repentance, prayer, and unwavering faith in God’s plans provided protection, safety, and ultimately the fulfillment of his desire to establish a kingdom according to God’s will.
Your Path to Overcoming
So, there you have it! To defeat your enemy, whoever that may be, you need to be vigilant against their schemes, a vigilance fueled by faith in God. Strive for righteousness, which offers spiritual protection. Cultivate the intentionality to be truthful with yourself and God, confessing your sins and living a life of repentance. Finally, demonstrate your love and fear of God by depending on Him. Following God’s roadmap for your life leads to a purposeful, peaceful, and abundant life, one that fulfills the desires rooted in His promises.
As Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
What enemies, internal, external, or both, are you facing today? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
elijah
good job