Spiritual Attack? Praise Him!
There’s something about spiritual attacks I’d bet we’d all agree on—they’re no fun. I was reminded this past weekend in Billings, Montana. It was the kickoff event for Women of Faith’s Imagine tour, and the experience for me was nothing short of surreal. I wasn’t scheduled to speak from the platform—that would come in two weeks in Las Vegas—but for the first time, I was attending a Women of Faith conference as part of “the team.” The excitement in the planning meetings that led up to this was nothing compared to the energy and enthusiasm as the event finally came together.
I’d been praying for the speakers, that God would do an amazing work, both through content and delivery—and He did. They were amazing, each uniquely gifted in communicating, each with her own natural style.
But I noticed as I sat and watched, I began to hear the whispers of the enemy. I wouldn’t be able to deliver the message as naturally or as movingly as they could. I wouldn’t smile as easily or be as witty or connect with the women…or, or, or….
I got a headache—partly because of the altitude in Montana and not drinking enough water—but mainly because of the stress coming against me. My spirits sank lower and lower, and what started off as wonder at what God had done to bring me there slid into doubt that I even belonged there.
Back in my hotel room, head pounding, I tried to lie down and pray and feel sorry for myself. But God moved me to get right back up and open my Bible to Ephesians 6:10-18. It wasn’t enough to recognize the enemy’s whispers. I needed to take up the armor of God and actively stand firm in what I knew was true. It was God who had prepared this work for me to do before the foundation of the world, that I should walk in it for His glory. And it was God who would accomplish it. No, my own abilities probably didn’t measure up to the others. But it wasn’t about my abilities. It was about God’s strength being made perfect in my weakness. Apart from Him, I could do nothing anyway.
When I got home I told my prayer team about the spiritual attack, and one of them said, “Girl, praise God!” I replied, “Uh, yeah….” But now that a few days have passed, I am praising God! That attack caused me to seek God’s face all the more, to press in. It shifted my focus from that earthly stage to the throne, and our God, high and lifted up. And it put a fight in my spirit. If the enemy wanted to oppress me and make me feel defeated, it had to mean God was about to show up and show out! What the enemy meant for evil, God would turn to good, because “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1John 4:4). Now that’s a praise!
Are you under spiritual attack? Recognize who’s behind it, and then get up, put on the full armor of God, and stand firm. Watch God be greater and PRAISE HIM in the midst!
Heavenly Father, I praise You because You ARE greater…greater than any scheme or power of the enemy. I praise You because the enemy is defeated and we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us. Help us to recognize when we’re under spiritual attack and to walk fully clothed in Your armor. And give us the strength to praise You in the midst, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
11 Responses to “Spiritual Attack? Praise Him!”
I praise God for always being vulnerable with your readers. Just keep letting God use you like you do with your writing and you will be fine. God will indeed show up and show out through you.
God bless you, Kim.
Love your sister,
Rhonda
Praying.
Lots of Love to You.
Jean
Dear, sweet, Kim~
Notice how you said “each uniquely gifted in communicating, each with her own natural style”. Isn’t it great that God made us all unique! No, your abilities aren’t the same as the other speakers, but you too have your unique gift in communicating and your own natural style! And as for connecting with the women, well, you are already connecting with us out here. I’ve never met you face-to-face and I absolutely adore you! I love that God blessed you with such an open caring heart for those of us you barely even know.
Also, thank you for being so real, vulnerable, and honest!! Wow, satan (I just can’t bring myself to capitalize that) is lurking in so many places right now. I know he has sure been trying to stand on my head and weigh me down lately. There are times we need reminder that God is so much greater than we know, and I got just that from you today.
I will be lifting you up in prayer as you continue on this journey. God chose you to be a member of the Women of Faith team, and HE makes no mistakes!! Love and hugs to you, my friend!
@Rhonda — I don’t know why God moves me to be so transparent…sometimes I have to pray and say, “Do you REALLY want me to share this?” :) But in the little bit of time it’s been posted on Facebook, I’ve gotten a lot of messages in my inbox from people who are identifying. God is good! Thanks so much for encouraging me.
@Jean — Prayer is good! Thank you!! I’ll take all the prayer I can get. :) Lots of love to you too!
@Jessie — what a sweet message! It’s such a blessing that God allows us all to connect in cyber space. I believe He will indeed grant us to meet face-to-face in Kansas City. I can’t wait. So appreciate your prayers & words of encouragement.
For such a time as this…He has prepared you and your message. Can’t wait to hear it!
Oh my sweet sister,
This blog post was for me today. Thank you sis!
Warmly,
Kennisha
@LeeAnn — you are always there, encouraging. Thank you for all you do, and thank you for keeping me covered. :)
@Kennisha — we’re so often in tune, aren’t we? I guess God knew a lot of us needed this, huh? He’s an awesome God. Keep pressing, sis!
Love it! What the enemy wanted to use to destroy you, God used to draw you closer to HIM! Thank you for being so lovingly vulnerable with us.
Oh, Gessie, I love how God does that…using trials to draw us closer. In the flesh, I’d rather not have to undergo a spiritual attack or anything else difficult, yet God allows it and then shows Himself strong in the midst. Honestly, I’d much rather be vulnerable than pretend I have it all together. I need the strong prayers and support of the saints, and the strength and grace of our mighty God. I know you feel the same way! :)
Kim,
Thank you for writing this! Although you wrote it last year God Almighty knew I needed to read it now. I appreciate your honest and encouraging words! (I came across a review of your book Cherished and I thought I would look you up. I am blessed by your post and couldn’t leave without letting you know:) I will return again and plan on getting my hands on your books! May God continue to bless you:)
Hi Stefany! Oh, I love that God knows what we need, when we need it! And He even had you search back in the archives. :) So thankful you’ve been encouraged. God’s grace is abundant for your every need. Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. I look forward to connecting with you more. Blessings to you too!