THE VICTOR’S MENTALITY 14 (When the devil strikes)

In the previous article , I introduced the third part of this series, which focuses on the armor we are to put on during spiritual warfare. It was important to remind ourselves what spiritual warfare truly is.

Let me summarize what spiritual warfare is all about in one sentence: spiritual warfare is the devil’s attempt to shift us from our spiritually blessed position to something ephemeral, material, natural, or animalistic.

It’s crucial to understand this because 2 Corinthians 2:11 says:“Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV). The devil isn’t attacking our spiritual blessings themselves—he cannot dare, as they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, as Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us. What he tries to attack is our position toward them, our view of them, and our mindset about them. That’s why we need the armor described in Ephesians 6.

Before I start diving into the armor, I want to discuss when the devil strikes. Yes, he can strike at any time, tirelessly shooting his shots, but the Bible highlights strategic times when he launches his attacks most intensely. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13 NKJV)

Last week, I reminded every believer that you are truly blessed with every spiritual blessing. In fact, the entire book of Ephesians is a reminder of our spiritual blessings in Christ. This helps us understand why the chapter concludes with instructions to put on the whole armor of God. Apostle Paul knew the devil always targets our identity and security so we can miss out on these blessed realities.

I can tell you that the devil doesn’t bother much with children of God who are indifferent about their blessings. So, I’m here to stir you up if you’ve been indifferent and to remind you that God has called you to a privileged position, seated with Him in heavenly places where you are loved and accepted by God Himself. Many people have been indifferent to this truth because someone deceived them, telling them that without certain material possessions or earthly positions, they aren’t blessed. That’s a lie!

I declare to you again: YOU ARE BLESSED!

Now, let’s look at our text. The Bible tells us when the devil aims and strategizes to deceive and distract us: it calls these times “evil days.”

So, what are the “evil days” the Bible refers to? 

Let me clarify for those who may have questions:
Every day is blessed—it is the day of the Lord. But the Bible terms a day “evil” when the devil introduces his evil ways and deeds to cause you to fall from the gracious position you hold. The “evil day” is a time or season of intense spiritual challenges, temptation, persecution, or adversity. These are the tools the devil uses through worldly systems to cause us to fall from grace. You can say “God forbid” from now till eternity, but if you’re truly following Christ, the devil will confront you with challenges, persecution, or temptation. It’s not a matter of “if” but “when,” because challenges will surely come. That’s why the Holy Spirit urges us to put on the whole armor of God so that when these evil days come, you remain unshaken in your belief and confidence in Christ.

“Evil days” also refer to any moment of significant spiritual testing or confrontation with evil. The devil chooses moments of vulnerability, transition, or intensity to strike. We see examples in the Scriptures, though time may not permit me to share many:

The devil chose to test Jesus after 40 days of fasting.You might think, “Oh, I’ve just completed a spiritual task; the devil can’t come now.” I tell you, from experience and Scripture, that’s exactly when he comes. Sometimes, right after ministering, the devil tempts me regarding the very thing I just preached.

Look at Elijah: he had just restored law and order in Israel by wiping out the prophets of Baal. Yet, the devil waited for that moment of transition to tempt him with a threat from Jezebel.

Peter was used by the Holy Spirit to declare that Christ is the Son of the Living God. In that same chapter, during a moment of transition when Jesus revealed God’s agenda for his life, the devil used Peter to suggest discouraging Christ.

Evil days can also be:
• A time of discouragement, when hope seems lost or prayers seem unanswered.
• A time of persecution, when you’re attacked for your stand for Christ.
• A time of confusion, when your mind is under siege, and you’re unsure of what’s next or what to believe.
• A time of spiritual weariness, when you feel too weak to pray or uninterested in your consecration.

The devil takes advantage of these times to pull your flesh away from following Christ. He says during moments of persecution, “It’s not worth it. What you’re facing is too much. Why don’t you curse God and die?”—just like Job’s wife suggested.

During moments of transition, he whispers, “You’re okay now. You don’t have problems. Just tell your soul to eat, drink, and be merry.”

Beloved, irrespective of the present position you are in, you must be resolute in your belief about Christ and you will be able to stand when the evil days come.