It’s Time to See Your Situation Through Spiritual Eyes
You know when Paul said, “The things I should do I don’t do, and the things I shouldn’t do I do?” Yeah, it’s real.
We all have our struggles that keep us bound. And ANY time we take a step toward moving out of bondage, the devil says—“Where you going?” Well, toward God, duh… loool.
If only it felt that easy. The process of change is NOT easy. Breakthrough is a process, and I’m definitely learning this.
Sometimes we go to an event or have a spiritual encounter with God and expect things to just magically be different. When in fact, that very encounter is like making a bold statement: “I’ve joined the winning team!”
But here’s the catch—you still need to work hard to make the playoffs.
There’s a LOT of matches to play before playoffs, and all of these matches require a deep level of preparation, sacrifice, and help from God. The decision to say, “God, I surrender. I need Your help to change,” is the exact moment the devil ups his strategy.
Yes, strategy. He maps out your weaknesses and targets you, waiting to devour, kill, and destroy you. And when in your human nature you fall into one of the traps he’s set, he adds guilt into the mix, making you feel like you can’t turn to God in the very moment you should.
Guilt is the worst. Feeling like you’re not worthy to pray, not even worthy to listen to gospel music, or to look toward God—it’s a horrible feeling. And it’s detrimental because God is the covering we need in that moment.
Accept the fact that the enemy is on your back, and spiritual warfare will increase now more than ever because you are trying to become who God has called you to be.
So, What’s Really Happening During Spiritual Attack? | How To Overcome Temptation
When you decide to walk in the freedom Christ has given you, it’s like a declaration of war in the spiritual realm. You’ve chosen God’s side, and the enemy sees you as a threat. Spiritual attacks are not random—they are calculated and intentional, targeting every part of you: your body, mind, emotions, and spirit.
1. Physically: The Body Remembers
The body is wired to store memories and habits, especially through a process called neuroplasticity. When you engage in repeated actions or thoughts—whether positive or sinful—your brain creates neural pathways that make it easier to repeat those behaviours in the future. During spiritual attack, the enemy exploits this biological mechanism.
Sensory Triggers: When your body remembers past habits, it reacts as if it’s happening again. This is why you might experience physical sensations, like an intense pulse or arousal, seemingly out of nowhere. Your brain is replaying stored memories, and your body responds automatically.
Stress and Exhaustion: Neuroscience shows that when you’re tired, your prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for self-control—functions less effectively. This makes it harder to resist temptation. The enemy often attacks at night or during stressful moments because he knows your body is physically less equipped to fight back.
Scriptural Insight:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
This verse is a beautiful reminder that your body is more than just a vessel—it’s a sacred space where God’s Spirit dwells. Knowing this can fill you with hope and strength to honour your body and trust that God equips you to resist every attack. You’re not fighting alone—God’s Spirit within you is your helper and protector.
2. Emotionally: The Enemy Targets the Heart
Emotions are powerful because they directly influence decisions. The enemy manipulates your emotional state to make you feel disconnected from God and unworthy of His love.
Amplifying Loneliness and Shame: Psychologically, loneliness triggers feelings of unworthiness and despair, which are linked to increased vulnerability to harmful behaviours. The enemy amplifies this by whispering lies like, “You’re the only one struggling,” or, “No one would understand.”
Guilt Cycles: Guilt is an emotional response designed by God to lead us to repentance, but the enemy twists it into shame, which makes you feel unworthy and stuck. Shame creates a cycle where people feel bad, fall again, and then feel worse—exactly where the enemy wants you.
Scriptural Insight:
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
This verse reminds us that guilt is not from God. Conviction draws us closer to Him; condemnation pushes us away.
3. Mentally: The Battlefield of the Mind
The enemy knows the mind is where spiritual battles are won or lost. He targets your thoughts because they shape your beliefs and actions.
Intrusive Thoughts and Flashbacks: Intrusive thoughts are a psychological phenomenon where unwanted memories or images surface. Spiritually, these can be tools the enemy uses to pull you back into sin. He replays past mistakes to make you feel trapped, like you’ll never escape.
Decision Fatigue: Decision fatigue occurs when your mind is overwhelmed by constant choices, making it harder to resist temptation. The enemy exploits this by bombarding you with lies and distractions, wearing you down until giving in feels easier than standing firm.
Scriptural Insight:
“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
This verse teaches us to actively reject lies and replace them with God’s truth. The mind is a battlefield, but with God’s help, it can be brought under control.
4. Spiritually: The Ultimate Target
At the core of every attack is the enemy’s goal to weaken your connection with God. He doesn’t just want you to fall—he wants you to stay down, disconnected from the One who can restore you.
Disconnection from God: The enemy uses guilt and shame to create a barrier between you and God. He knows if he can make you hesitate to pray, worship, or read Scripture, he’s already won half the battle.
Attacks on Your Purpose: If the enemy can keep you distracted and discouraged, he can delay your growth and make you question your calling. The attack isn’t just about today—it’s about preventing the future God has for you.
Scriptural Insight:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
The enemy’s ultimate goal is destruction, but Jesus promises abundant life for those who stay connected to Him.
How to Fight Back
Victory in spiritual battles requires preparation, active resistance during the attack, and the right response after the fight—whether you overcome or stumble. Let’s break it down:
How to Prepare for War
Preparation is essential because the attacks are strategic, and you need to be fortified in every area—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Here’s how to actively prepare so you’re not caught off guard:
Spiritually: Build Your Foundation in God
The most critical part of preparation is staying deeply connected to God, who is your ultimate source of strength.
Daily Prayer: Prayer is your direct line to God. Set aside time each day to talk to Him—not just about your struggles, but to strengthen your relationship. Invite Him into every part of your life. Pray specifically for protection and guidance:
“Lord, guard my heart, my mind, and my body today. Strengthen me to resist temptation and keep my focus on You.”
Consider starting your day with a Psalm like Psalm 91, which is a prayer of protection.
Immerse Yourself in God’s Word: The Bible is both your weapon and your guide. It equips you with truth to counter the lies of the enemy. Make it a habit to read Scripture daily, even if it’s just a few verses. Highlight passages that speak directly to your struggles and meditate on them.
Examples include:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me” (Psalm 28:7).
Stay Connected to Worship and Community: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable. Worship isn’t just singing songs—it’s a weapon against the enemy. Play worship music in your home or car to fill your environment with God’s presence.
Mentally: Train Your Thoughts
The mind is a primary battleground during spiritual warfare. To prepare, you need to train your thoughts and equip your mind with God’s truth.
Memorise Scripture: Having Scripture readily available in your mind allows you to counter the enemy’s lies in the moment. Start by memorising one or two verses that resonate with you.
For example:
“I take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Identify and Reflect on Triggers: Spend time journaling or reflecting on what tends to lead you into temptation. Is it boredom? Stress? Specific times of day? Knowing your triggers allows you to prepare and create a plan to avoid them.
For example:
If late-night thoughts are a trigger, create a bedtime routine that includes prayer, worship music, or reading Scripture.
If certain environments or media are triggers, set clear boundaries to protect yourself.
Practice Redirecting Your Thoughts: Start practising now how to redirect intrusive or negative thoughts before the battle begins.
When an unwanted thought arises, say:
“I reject this thought in the name of Jesus and replace it with God’s truth.”
Then focus on something uplifting, like a worship song or Bible verse.
Emotionally: Strengthen Your Heart
Your emotions are deeply tied to your spiritual and mental health. Preparing emotionally means becoming aware of your feelings and learning to process them in healthy, God-honouring ways.
Journal to Process Your Feelings:Writing your thoughts and emotions down can help you identify patterns and release burdens. Be honest with yourself and God about what you’re feeling.
For example:
“God, I’m feeling lonely, and I’m tempted to turn to things that don’t honour You. Help me find my comfort in You instead.”
Reinforce Positive Influences:Surround yourself with things that uplift your spirit.
This could include:
Worship music that reminds you of God’s power.
Inspirational books or podcasts that encourage you in your walk with God.
A trusted accountability partner who can pray with you and check in on your progress.
Practice Gratitude: Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what God has provided. Make it a habit to thank God daily for His goodness and faithfulness, even in small things. Gratitude weakens the power of negative emotions like guilt or despair.
Physically: Care for Your Body
Your body and spirit are interconnected. Physical health impacts your ability to resist temptation, so preparing for spiritual battles means taking care of your body as well.
Get Enough Rest: Sleep restores your body and mind. When you’re tired, your self-control weakens, and the enemy often takes advantage of this vulnerability. Aim for a consistent bedtime and create a restful environment by eliminating distractions like screens before bed.
Manage Stress: High stress increases emotional and physical vulnerability to temptation.
Practice stress-relief techniques such as:
Deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation.
Taking short walks to clear your mind and connect with God.
Casting your worries on God: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Stay Active and Healthy:Regular exercise boosts your mood and mental clarity, making it easier to stay focused on God. Eating well and drinking enough water also keep your body in optimal condition for spiritual resilience.
Putting It All Together
Preparing for spiritual warfare is about building your life on a strong foundation—rooted in God’s Word, guarded in your thoughts, balanced in your emotions, and cared for in your physical health. It’s not about perfection but persistence. The more intentional you are about preparing in these areas, the stronger you’ll stand when the attacks come. You’ve got this, and God’s got you!
2. How to Overcome Temptation and Fight Spiritual Battles in the Moment
Sometimes, the battle hits when you’re at your lowest—mentally drained, physically tired, or emotionally overwhelmed. In those moments, even moving or speaking can feel like too much. But here’s the hope: God doesn’t need you to muster up strength.
He meets you exactly where you are. Here’s how to respond in that split second when exhaustion makes everything feel heavier:
1. Breathe and Call on Jesus
When you feel stuck and overwhelmed, start with something as simple as your breath. Your breath is a gift from God and a reminder that He is with you.
What to Do:
Take a slow, deep breath in for 4 seconds, hold it for 4 seconds, and exhale for 6 seconds.
Repeat this a few times while silently or quietly saying the name “Jesus.”
Example: Breathe in: “Jesus.” Hold: “Help me.” Exhale: “I trust You.”
Why It Helps:
Deep breathing calms your nervous system, reduces physical stress, and gives you a pause to redirect your thoughts.
Calling on Jesus centers your focus on Him, even if you don’t have the strength for a full prayer. There’s power in His name (Philippians 2:9-10).
2. Shift Your Thoughts with a Simple Truth
When your mind is spiralling into rumination, trying to think your way out of it often makes it worse. Instead, interrupt the cycle by anchoring yourself to one simple truth.
What to Do:
Pick a short, powerful phrase to repeat to yourself. Speak it quietly or in your heart if speaking out loud feels too hard.
Examples:
“God is here with me.”
“This will pass.”
“I am not alone.”
Why It Helps:
Repeating a truth breaks the loop of rumination. It doesn’t require you to "solve" anything—it just redirects your focus to God’s presence and promises.
These short truths remind you that you’re not fighting alone.
3. Physically Ground Yourself Without Having To Move
If even shifting positions feels like too much, you can still ground yourself in the moment to disrupt the intensity of the attack.
What to Do:
Focus on one physical sensation, like the feel of your blanket, the softness of your pillow, or the coolness of air on your skin.
Slowly count backward from 10 to 1, focusing on each number as you say it in your mind.
Tighten and release your hands or press your palms together for a moment.
Why It Helps:
Grounding brings your attention back to the present moment and away from the overwhelming emotions or thoughts.
It reminds you that you are physically safe, and it gives your mind a brief pause to reset.
4. Whisper a One-Line Prayer
When you’re too tired for long prayers, keep it simple. God doesn’t need eloquence—He just wants your heart.
What to Do:
Whisper a one-line prayer that expresses your need and invites God into the moment.
Examples:
“Lord, I need You right now.”
“Jesus, fight this battle for me.”
“Holy Spirit, give me peace.”
Why It Helps:
Prayer, even in its simplest form, opens the door for God’s power to work in you.
It takes the focus off your weakness and places it on His strength.
5. Visualise God’s Presence
When your thoughts feel loud and consuming, visualise the truth of God’s nearness to quiet the noise.
What to Do:
Close your eyes and imagine Jesus sitting beside you, holding your hand, or standing guard over you. Picture His peace surrounding you like a shield.
If visualising feels difficult, simply say to yourself: “God is with me.”
Why It Helps:
Visualisation engages your mind in a positive way and reminds you of God’s promise: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
6. Shift Your Inner Focus to Gratitude
Gratitude can feel impossible in moments of exhaustion, but even a tiny shift in focus can weaken the enemy’s grip.
What to Do: In your mind, thank God for one thing—even if it’s small:
“Thank You, Lord, that You love me.”
“Thank You for getting me through today.”
“Thank You for never leaving me.”
Why It Helps:
Gratitude shifts your focus from the struggle to God’s goodness. It reminds you that He’s already working in your life, even in this hard moment.
Final Encouragement for the Split Moment
In those moments when you feel like you have nothing left to give, know this: God is still fighting for you. The fact that you’re reaching for Him—even in exhaustion—is a victory. You don’t need to do anything grand or force yourself into action. Just breathe, call on His name, and trust that He sees you, loves you, and is already working on your behalf.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). Rest in that truth, sis—you are never alone in the fight.
3. How to Turn Back to God After Falling
Falling into temptation can feel heavy, like you’ve let God down or taken a step backward. But here’s the truth: falling doesn’t separate you from God’s love—it’s an opportunity to lean into His grace. Turning back to Him after a fall is not about proving yourself worthy; it’s about letting Him restore you. Here’s how to do it with practical, affirming steps:
Confess and Receive Grace
God’s forgiveness is always available. He’s not surprised by your fall, and He’s not waiting to condemn you. Instead, He invites you to bring your struggle to Him so He can offer you grace and healing.
What to Do:
Be honest with God. You don’t have to sugarcoat or explain away what happened. Simply confess your sin and ask for His forgiveness:
“Lord, I fell, and I’m sorry. Thank You for Your mercy and for never turning away from me.”
Visualise laying your sin at God’s feet. Imagine Him picking it up and replacing it with His peace.
Why It Helps:
Confession isn’t about punishment—it’s about releasing the burden of guilt. God promises in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
It shifts the focus from what you did wrong to what God can make right.
Reject Guilt
Guilt is the enemy’s favourite weapon to keep you stuck. While conviction from the Holy Spirit leads to repentance, guilt from the enemy leads to shame and isolation. The moment you feel guilt creeping in, remind yourself of God’s truth.
What to Do:
Speak Romans 8:1 over yourself: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Write this down and place it somewhere visible as a reminder that you are not defined by your fall.
Replace guilt with gratitude. Say: “Thank You, God, for forgiving me and giving me the chance to start fresh.”
Why It Helps:
Guilt makes you feel like you can’t approach God, but the truth is, He’s closest to you in these moments. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Refocus on God’s Love
After a fall, it’s tempting to pull away from God out of shame, but this is when you need His presence the most. Refocusing on God’s love reminds you of your identity as His child, not as someone defined by failure.
What to Do:
Return to prayer, even if it feels awkward. Start with simple words like:
“Lord, I need You. Help me feel Your love and peace right now.”
Read or listen to Scriptures that remind you of God’s love and promises. For example:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end” (Lamentations 3:22).
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).
Journal about His faithfulness in your life. Write down times when He has helped you overcome or restored you before.
Why It Helps:
Refocusing on God’s love reaffirms that your relationship with Him isn’t based on your performance but on His grace. His love is unchanging, even when you stumble.
4. Take a Small Step Forward
Once you’ve confessed, rejected guilt, and refocused on God’s love, take a step forward in your walk with Him. Falling doesn’t mean starting over; it’s a moment to keep growing.
What to Do:
Ask God for wisdom about what caused the fall and how to guard against it in the future.
Revisit your Bible or devotional plan. Even reading one verse can reignite your connection.
Reach out to an accountability partner or trusted friend to share your journey.
Why It Helps:
Taking action, no matter how small, breaks the cycle of feeling stuck. It reminds you that God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23) and that His grace empowers you to move forward.
Encouragement for Turning Back
Sis, falling doesn’t mean failing. It’s a part of the journey, and God’s grace is always greater than any mistake. Every time you turn back to Him, you’re taking a step toward healing and restoration. God isn’t keeping score—He’s cheering you on, ready to catch you when you stumble and help you rise again. Remember, you are not alone, and His love for you never wavers. You’ve got this, and He’s got you!
Turn the Page on Temptation with the Dear Women’s Notebook
Sis, spiritual battles are real, and sometimes the best way to fight is by putting pen to paper.
The Dear Women’s Notebook is your safe space to process, pray, and reconnect with God when the weight feels too heavy to carry alone.
This notebook is designed to help you:
Break Free from Overwhelm: Write through your struggles, releasing guilt, shame, and negative thoughts onto the page.
Find God’s Voice Amid the Noise: Use this space to reflect on Scriptures, jot down prayers, and discover clarity in the chaos.
Build a Stronger Connection with God: Journaling is a simple yet powerful tool to bring your heart closer to His.
When the enemy attacks, grab your notebook and let your words become a weapon of faith. This isn’t just a notebook—it’s a lifeline, guiding you back to God’s grace and strength.
With Love xx
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