We live in very perilous times and as the end draws near, the enemy gets even more desperate in getting more people on his side. He doesn’t stop at trying to deceive and derail the people and just like the bible says, he roams around like a roaring lion, looking and waiting for the next victim to pounce on. He is very strategic in his attacks so much so that sometimes we don’t even realize we are under attack. He disguises himself so carefully that instead of fighting back against him, we target the wrong enemy and that’s exactly what he wants us to do. That is exactly where he wants us to be – fighting against anything or every person other than him.
We need to be aware of the enemy’s tricks and schemes and also be strategic – just like he is – in fighting and resisting him. Here are four weapons the enemy will use against you. If you find yourself in any of these, that’s a sign that you are under attack so you must brace yourself for war!
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Depression
I’ve read countless stories and watched numerous documentaries and videos of people who took their lives because of depression. Young and vibrant people, some of them even wealthy and talented and because of depression, life became meaningless to them – so they put an end to it. Depression is one of the enemy’s lethal weapons. He literally uses this to take away lives!
In a generation where the definition of ‘happiness’ has been thwarted and distorted to mean nothing much more than instant gratification, luxurious living, or public eminence, it is quite easy for the enemy to get people downcast and beaten down – sometimes over very trivial issues; A girl is going to get into depression because ‘society’ doesn’t think she’s ‘pretty’ or ‘thin’ or ‘fat’ enough! She will try to fit in and when she can’t fit in, life will seem meaningless to her. Other times the reasons may be deep and painful. Either way, there isn’t any good enough reason to end your life.
Depression doesn’t happen suddenly; it is gradual and progressive; it starts with the first thought or feeling of sadness or misery. You must dismiss these every time! Life is full of ups and downs and of course, there will be days where you will feel down and sad – that’s why happiness has to be a conscious decision. Create an atmosphere of joy around yourself and choose happiness every day!
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones” (Proverbs 17:22 NIV)
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Fear
This is definitely one of the enemy’s most dangerous weapons. Fear literally cripples and imprisons. Fear stops us from taking any step forward and prevents us from carrying out our purpose. There are many types of fears the enemy will use against us; the fear of failure, fear of disapproval, fear of the future, fear of rejection amongst others.
Until you take risks and face your fears, you won’t overcome them and you won’t achieve anything. Do not let the enemy keep you imprisoned in the ‘fear box’. Step out in faith and accomplish what God has assigned to you. You may fail once, twice or maybe a million times. You may get ridiculed and discouraged. But you will never discover what you are capable of if you don’t try.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)
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Bitterness
This is a canker-worm and it slowly eats up and destroys its victims from the inside. Holding offenses and refusing to forgive people who wrong you slowly leads to bitterness and this is more harmful to you instead. You have to learn to forgive and let go. I have seen bitterness eat people up and they honestly look miserable and sick. The enemy uses this to destroy lives. Letting go of a grudge and choosing to forgive is one of the most liberating feelings ever.
Choose to forgive today and free yourself from the shackles of the enemy!
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with any form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31)
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Deception
Jesus said clearly that the devil is the father of all lies and there is no truth in him (John 8:44). He is very cunning and is the master of deception. He will twist and turn the truth around in order to lure you into sin just like he did to Eve in the beginning. That is why you need to know the truth for yourself and stick to it. So that when the enemy comes with all his schemes and lies, you wouldn’t fall for them. The word of God is truth (John 17:17). It is imperative for you to study and know the word of God. Know what it says about you – who you are, what you are and what you can do – and what it says about the enemy too (He wouldn’t want you to know that he has no power over you). If you do not know the truth, you will accept anything that is given you as truth. Get to know it for yourself!
“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)
Remain Blessed
Apiseh