Surviving Satan’s Sudden Attacks

Spiritual warfare doesn’t always end at deliverance. In fact, that’s often where it begins. Acts 28 tells the story of Paul who was stuck on an island after a shipwreck. In order to get warm, he decided to start a fire. However, what I want to point out is what happened the moment he stirred the fire–a viper came out and latched onto his hand. That’s how the enemy works. Often when we get deliverance or start walking in freedom, pressing into God, we “build a fire” and even though it seems that everything should be running smoothly, suddenly we get hit. In the same way, Paul was attacked by a viper, not because he sinned, but because he stirred the fire (Acts 28:3).

If you feel you’re under attack, here is what you should bring to mind.

What to Remember in Times of Attack

1. Stop seeking snakes; start gathering sticks.

First off, instead of constantly looking for open doors or hidden secrets, pursue God. In the story of Acts, Paul wasn’t looking for a snake because he was busy gathering sticks.

Often, people become so obsessed with trying to find out what’s wrong that they go in circles. Now, I don’t want to discourage this altogether. Go through deliverance, go to prayer, check your heart but don’t get stuck there. Stay in church, serve, read the Bible, and seek God’s face. If something is still hiding, it will be exposed in the presence of God.

2. Satan strikes when we believe his lies.

Next, it’s important to remember that Satan’s venom is found in his lies. His poison comes through thoughts that masquerade as our own voice. That’s why it’s easy to adopt those lies and give them legal access. He says, “You’re still bound,” or “God left you,” and you start agreeing with it. Once you do, the attack isn’t just external—it becomes internal.

When we look in Scripture we see what that causes. Ananias and Sapphira believed his lie and acted on it.

Thoughts of fear, accusation, confusion, and bitterness are venom. Even if they come through someone’s “prophetic word,” if it’s not in line with God’s truth, shake it off. Don’t accept witchcraft or control disguised as spiritual authority. Don’t let venom sit in your system. Reject the lie.

3. You can’t overcome the devil’s attacks the same way you overcome life’s battles.

Lastly, remember that storms will require endurance. Paul didn’t reason with the viper. Instead, he shook it off into the fire. In other words, when depression, fear, or heaviness comes, don’t beg it to leave. Never try to negotiate. Instead, submit to God and resist the devil. He’s a bully and he won’t just leave unless you choose to push back.

In some things in life, we endure and trust God, but when it’s demonic, you confront it. You don’t overcome demons by ignoring them or tolerating them—you confront them. If you’re in a battle, don’t play the victim. Stand your ground. Take your sword and fight.

Final Thoughts

I pray this was encouraging if you find yourself in the midst of an attack. Know that God doesn’t expose things to shame you but to deliver you. During this time, don’t retreat. Rise up, take the sword, and fight. Move from milk to meat and choose to study the Word, obey it, and speak it.

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