We are continuing a discussion of indicators that we may be under spiritual attack.  As believers, we are always subject to temptation by the enemy.  But there are also times when demonic spirits get an assignment to afflict or oppress us.  If we don’t recognize the strategies of the enemy, we may not engage the enemy directly with the divine weapons God has provided for us and the attack may continue for a very prolonged season.  So, let’s continue to look at the indicators.

Indicator Three

You are experiencing a “lack attack” in which everything is breaking down at once, one thing after another is failing, unexpected expenses keep draining your accounts, you experience a very unexpected job loss, etc.  

Again, these kinds of experiences are often just “life happening to us.”  But prolonged financial challenges when you are managing your finances in a reasonable way may indicate that something more is going on.  

In Deuteronomy 28:28-44, financial lack, poor harvests, others getting promotions instead of you – even though you are working hard, etc. are characteristics of a curse. The first thing you may need to assess is whether or not something in your life or family line has given Satan some authority to afflict you.  Unrepented sin in your life or the lives of your ancestors may be giving the enemy that authority.  In Malachi 3, God releases a curse on Israel for not tithing or for not honoring God with their finances.  If you have lacked integrity in any financial or business dealings or have had ancestors who have cheated people out of money, you may need to repent on their behalf or for your own failings, even if those were years ago.  

If you have spoken poverty or financial failure over yourself, you may need to renounce those words and begin to declare the blessings of God over your wealth.  We don’t all need to drive Mercedes and live in huge homes, but poverty and lack is not God’s intention for his people.  He wants us to have enough to meet the needs of our family and to have more than enough so that we can give to the kingdom and help the poor. Prolonged lack may take some prayer, fasting, the breaking of curses,  commanding the enemy and declaring the blessings of God over us.

Indicator Four

You experience constant disruptions and distractions when you try to pray or read the Word.  You are having recurring thoughts that you do not welcome.

There are spirits that love to distract you and keep you from quality time in the Word or quality time with the Lord.  Spirits of stupor will cause you to become very drowsy every time you try to read or pray.  Spirits of error and spirits of anti-Christ will argue against the truths you are reading and try to introduce doubt into your faith.  Spirits of sexual immorality or sexual fantasies may inject unclean thoughts into your imagination so that your time with God seems defiled and so on.  If you are getting enough sleep, Treat the fatigue and drowsiness as a spirit and command it to leave.  Do the same with other unwelcome thoughts that you did not invite onto the screen of your imagination.

Indicator Five

You are in a prolonged season of feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances and feelings of hopelessness are beginning to creep in.

Discouragement and despair are some of Satan’s greatest weapons against God’s people.  Isaiah speaks of a spirit of heaviness or despair that can come on God’s people (Isa.61:3).  It comes typically when we are tired or weary after facing circumstances that are emotionally draining.  Immediately after Elijah’s great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he was threatened by Jezebel and quickly succumbed to depression and despair. The enemy clearly took advantage of  his being emotionally and spiritually depleted after a day of battle.  

When we have been facing a challenging season, the enemy whispers that things will never change or that life no longer holds any promise for you. He reminds you constantly of your limitations and whispers that God’s promises are empty or, at least, empty for you.  Often, he will whisper that you don’t measure up and that all you have done in your life or ministry counts for nothing. His goal is to get you to give in and give up. 

During these times, praise and thanksgiving are important weapons to use against the enemy.  Choose to believe in spite of your emotions.  Find a promise that addresses your discouragement and begin to declare it over yourself, your family, or your circumstances. Remember who you are in Christ and declare that truth against the enemy as well as commanding spirits of despair, discouragement and even fear to leave. You cannot be passive but must take the initiative against the enemy.  Get help from those versed in spiritual warfare if you feel like you are too depleted to fight.

More Indicators Next Week