How the Enemy Distracts Us & How You Can Overcome It
If the enemy can’t destroy you he will distract you. His goal is simple, he comes to steal, kill and destroy. Our adversary is predictable and uses the same old tricks time and time again. It is up to us to stay alert so that we don't fall prey to his schemes.
As defined by dictionary.com, “to distract” can mean:
Draw away or divert, as the mind or attention
Disturb or trouble greatly in mind; beset
Provide a pleasant diversion for; amuse; entertain
Separate or divide by dissension or strife.
Distractions are designed to get you off course from God’s will. The enemy wants you so preoccupied with your situation that you take your eyes off of Jesus. Why? Because focusing on your situation will make it seem bigger than God, although it isn’t. God is greater than everything we face.
How Does the Enemy Do it?
He distracts us with words and actions. When the enemy speaks it’s always a lie. There is no truth in him as he is the father of lies (John 8:44). You can discern his voice because it plants seeds of fear and doubt. He’ll use anything he can - past wounds, idols in your life, social media, good god-given desires (such as the desire to be married), and even your friends.
If we fall for the distractions then we will become ineffective in our faith. You have a unique purpose, and the enemy doesn’t want you to live it out. He’ll use social media to ignite comparison. Comparison breeds discontentment. If you focus on what they are doing or how they are doing, you’ll be led by insecurity instead of the Holy Spirit.
Our adversary may even send “friends” into your life who are fun to be around but discourage you from walking in obedience to God. Realize that not all distractions are negative or troubling - some look like answered prayers. For instance, a man begins to pursue you who is seemingly everything you desire. That’s why it’s crucial to use discernment. All that glitters ain't God.
Related Post - Overcoming Temptation: How to Recognize the Enemy’s Traps
So what do we do? How do we avoid these pitfalls? Here are three principles that have helped me.
1) Expect the Attack
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5 that the devil is looking for someone to devour. However, many of us are caught off guard when the attack comes. We have to expect that we will be attacked. We may not know how or when, but we can make an educated guess.
Lions are fierce predators that isolate and attack a weaker or slower individual. Since lions prey on the weak, we can surmise that our enemy will attack us in areas where we are weak. I’m sure you know what your struggles are, so take time to find out what God’s Word says about those things and memorize those scriptures. When the enemy tries to plant doubt or fear, be ready to combat it with Truth! Throw it in his face! Remind Him that he’s been defeated. You may feel weak but God’s power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Cor. 12:10). God is with you. Stand up, stand firm, and don’t be afraid.
2) Walk in Your God-given Authority
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. - Luke 10:19
Jesus has given us authority over ALL the power of the enemy. The devil knows his time and power is limited, and that you can overcome him. As a follower of Jesus, the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you. There’s no need to run scared when the attacks come. The devil attacks us out of fear, not authority. He only has the authority that we give him. Take time to study spiritual warfare, read Ephesians 6 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. Once you understand that you’re already victorious it will change the way you view and combat spiritual attacks.
3) Stay Close to the Shepard
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
Shepherd care for their sheep. They lead them to food, guide them away from danger, and protect them from attacks. Jesus is called the Good Shepherd. Stay close to Him. When we are under attack and afraid our first instinct is to run and (try to) protect ourselves. However, isolating yourself is the worst thing you could do when you’re being attacked. Train yourself to run to God at all times, but especially when attacks come. That’s where the protection is. Jesus laid down his life for us. We can trust his protection because He’s proven his love for us.
Related Post: Feeling Disconnected From God? Five Questions to Ask Yourself.
Don’t Forfeit Your Authority
Earlier I mentioned that the devil only has the power we give him. We are called to align our lives with God’s Word. When satan attacks us, he’s trying to get us to align with lies, fear, doubt, and sin instead of truth. Don’t give the enemy a foothold. When we agree with him, we give authority to him. But there is good news. Jesus is greater and in Him so are we. If you find yourself in agreement with lies from the enemy, all you have to do is pray. Life and death are in the power of the tongue so declare that you come out of agreement with the lies and make sure your actions line up. Continue to submit to God and rely on Him to overcome.
