Warning! Be Alert to 3 Types of Demonic Attacks

Has anyone ever told you that you need to become alert to 3 different types of demonic attacks? Really—there is a predator on the loose and he wants to destroy your life. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This predator is supernatural, difficult to recognize, and he doesn’t work alone (see Ephesians 6:12).Demonic forces provoke and pressure us into wrong ways of thinking or acting. We feel “driven”. These attacks are often hard to identify because we are so used to them. We often believe that they are our own thoughts or just a part of everyday life.“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11 KJ). The word “devices” used here can be translated as “mind devices” from the Greek—giving us a word picture of how the enemy of our souls attempts to attack us—through our thoughts and emotions.Most people are ignorant of the devices used by the predator. Satan’s goal is to manipulate our free will so that we will act according to his dictates and become his slaves (2 Peter 2:19). He aims most of his attacks at our thoughts and emotions, which then motivate our will, or decision making ability, in a wrong direction.

Be Alert to 3 Types of Demonic Attacks

Learning to recognize the 3 different types of demonic attacks can help you avoid becoming predator fodder.

Attack of Resistance

Sometimes we feel resistance because we deserve it—we’re trampling on other people or being stupid in our actions. But when resistance comes because of a God assignment in our lives it may indicate something other than immaturity. The goal of a resistance attack is mental, emotional, and physical discouragement. Check out the following stories to see what I’m talking about:

1. Daniel is resisted by people in his God given assignment (Daniel 6).
2. Daniel is resisted by demonic powers (Daniel 10:11-13).
3. Paul is resisted in his ministry by Satan (1 Thessalonians 2:18).

Ask God to reveal who or what is causing the “road block” you are facing. Both Daniel and Paul knew who was causing their road blocks. These men of God could identify what they were up against.

Attack of Temptation

In James 1:14-16 we are given the pattern that temptation follows:“But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.”Learn how this pattern works in your own life:

1. What happened in your thinking that led to wrong actions?
2. What feelings arose within that prompted your choices?
3. How did the sin grow once you had given in to the temptation?

Do you see a pattern?

Attack of Flaming Arrows

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). Like temptation, arrows are aimed at our thoughts and emotions. If demons can capture our mind or feelings, they can then direct our actions.To resist a flaming arrow, learn to tune into your thoughts and feelings:

1. What are you feeling or thinking? Identify the “arrow.”
2. Why are you feeling or thinking this? Learn the cause of the arrow. What is the enemy trying to stir up in you?
3. Is your initial reaction godly or ungodly? Wrong reactions signal that you have accepted, rather than rejected, a flaming arrow.

Pulled any flaming arrows out lately?What has been your experience with these 3 types of demonic attacks? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.(For lots more detailed information on the demonic realm and spiritual warfare, check out Intercessors, God's End-time Vanguard: How to Pray Effectively For the Things That Matter Most.)Check back on Wednesday for the next post on how to resist the enemy and avoid becoming predator fodder. You can also find other tips on dealing with demonic attacks in How to Deal With the Accuser Living in Your Head.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis