Some seasons of life are harder than others. Sometimes the barrage of spiritual attacks is wearisome and difficult to endure. The sin wears us out and frustrates our spirit, making us yearn more and more for our Heavenly home.

Romans 8:22-23, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.”

The earth seems to groan now, more than ever with labor pains. We feel the weight of sin in the world and it grieves our spirit and wears us out. We grow tired of the effects of sin and we desire the world to be rid of it. We can’t seem to escape it. We see the signs of sin and wickedness everywhere we look. It’s on our phones, even though we don’t seek it out. It seems to find us and target us, without any provocation.

It feels like the enemy is waging an all-out war, a heavy artillery attack, and we feel caught in the crosshairs. Sickness fills our homes, interruptions sneak into our days, and attempts to thwart our progress seem to invade our circumstances. Why does the enemy try so hard to knock us down? Why does he persist with the attacks to distract and discourage us? What does he have to gain?

The enemy is like a pesky mosquito, a relentless fly, a giant nuisance that never gives up on his attempts to push our buttons and get a reaction from us. As obstacles continue to be placed in our path, we are tempted to take our eyes off the Lord and allow our situations to drag us down and shake our faith.

We can look back over a week, a month, even an entire year and see the many attacks made by the enemy on our life, our home, and our family. We can make a list and catalog each individual attack and situation that affected us negatively and see ourselves as undeserving victims. Or we can take that same list and remember each time the Lord intervened and carried us through. When sickness invaded our home, He brought healing and recovery. When cars broke down, tires went flat, mailboxes knocked down, or vacation plans were canceled, He brought provision, protection, and supplied needs at just the right time.

God doesn’t always prevent attacks from the enemy, but He provides a way through them. He gives us wisdom and discernment to navigate troubled waters in our life. He gives us favor and helps us prevail in times of trial. He gives us safe passage and lavishes His grace and mercy on us in our time of need. He answers our prayers and remains faithful.

Often, it is during those times we are walking faithfully with the Lord, serving Him, and obedient to follow His call on our life, that the enemy comes after us the hardest. He aims a fiery dart at our covered wagon to distract us from the important things we are doing. If we’re not careful, we will run around trying to put out all his fires and drop the important work we were doing.

Instead of having knee-jerk reactions when the attacks come, we need to be alert and aware at the bigger picture going on. We need to see the obstacles for what they are – distractions. The enemy wants to stall our progress. He desires to side-line the work we are doing for the Lord. Sometimes we are not paying attention and the enemy is successful in his tactics.

That’s why it’s so important to stay in God’s Word. We need to continue to fill our hearts and minds with His truth. We also need to be persistent in prayer. Often we neglect our prayer life and it is something we only do in times of trouble. We need to keep the communication lines open at all times. Prayer keeps us focused on the Lord instead of our troubles. It reminds us to keep trusting Him and relying on Him to provide what’s needed and to make a way when we cannot. Prayer reminds us that God is still in control.

When the attacks of the enemy seem to settle in like a thick fog, take some time to step away from the situation and seek the Lord. Ask Him to give you peace and minister to your heart. Ask the Lord for protection from the enemy. Continue to serve the Lord and praise Him for His grace and mercy. Give thanks for each gift and blessing along the way.