Satan's Strategies and How to Resist Them

The story of Satan has captivated the human imagination for centuries. This dreaded figure is often depicted as the archenemy of God and a master of deceit and temptation. The effects of his strategy can be profound, especially during moments of grief or vulnerability. This article explores the various ways Satan attacks and provides guidance on how to resist such tactics.

Understanding Satan's Tactics

The author, who lost her husband after 34 years of marriage, vividly describes a terrifying period during her grief. During this time, she experienced a sense of being pulled down, questioning her faith and sanity. She attributes her struggles to Satan's attacks, emphasizing that understanding these tactics is crucial for any follower of Christ.

Satan employs several strategies to weaken believers:

Exploiting Weaknesses: Satan identifies and takes advantage of a believer's vulnerabilities. These weaknesses can be emotional, spiritual, or behavioral. By exploiting these, he can push believers away from God, diminishing their faith. False Satisfaction: By providing what someone desires, he temporarily satisfies their cravings. However, this satisfaction is fleeting and often leads to a deeper spiritual crisis. Gradual Increment: He slowly ramps up his attacks, ensuring that the believer doesn't suspect his presence. This increase in negativity can unravel one's faith and mental wellbeing.

From Grief to Redemption

The author's personal experience illustrates the profound impact of Satan's attacks. She describes a six to seven-month period marked by darkness and a sense of downward pressure. Her journey from despair to resurgence speaks to the power of God's intervention and the importance of calling out to Him for rescue.

Recognizing the presence of Satan and acknowledging His power are crucial steps in resisting his attacks. The Holy Spirit, who is stronger than Satan, can deliver believers from these dark periods. The author's experience suggests that seeking God's help and reading the Bible are essential practices to regain trust and faith.

Grounding Faith in Scriptures

The Bible offers numerous references to Satan's influence and God's power to resist it. One key passage is Matthew 5:17-20, where Jesus emphasizes that He came to fulfill the Law, not to abolish it. This indicates that the law and commandments are still critically important for believers.

The author also mentions the importance of reading the Old Testament, particularly the book of Genesis, which reveals Satan's initial deception and continued strategies. By studying the Bible, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their faith and how to resist Satan's tactics.

Reinforcing Faith in the Law

Contrary to popular belief, the Old Testament and the commandments continue to be pertinent to believers. The author argues that both the Law and the New Testament are complementary and essential for a robust faith. The laws in the Old Testament, such as the prohibitions against idolatry, sexual immorality, and eating blood, are not just historical but integral to living a God-fearing life.

The gentile conversion process, as described in the New Testament, highlights the importance of understanding and abiding by these commandments. Acts 15:19-21 calls for gentiles to abstain from sexual immorality, idolatry, and other specific behaviors, all of which are rooted in the teachings of Moses and the commandments of God.

By studying and adhering to these commandments, believers can establish a strong foundation in their faith, making it more difficult for Satan to deceive them. It is essential for modern churches to emphasize these teachings, rather than downplaying or ignoring them.

Conclusion

While Satan's attacks can be debilitating, understanding his strategies and knowing how to counteract them is key to maintaining a strong spiritual life. Through personal experience, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to studying the Bible, believers can resist Satan's temptations and grow in their faith. By grounding themselves in the commandments and teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, believers can withstand the attacks of Satan and find peace in their struggle.