Spiritual warfare is a reality for every believer. Scripture tells us that the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

Therefore, it’s important to recognize his tactics so you can fight effectively. Here is a list of five major ways the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy in your life and family:

1. Overwhelming and irrational oppression. You may feel a sudden, heavy cloud of despair, fear, or condemnation that doesn’t line up with your circumstances. This is a spirit of heaviness; when you sense this, remember God wants to give you “a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3).

2. Unusual and intense temptation. You may be bombarded with persistent, graphic, or bizarre sinful thoughts that seem to come out of nowhere and are completely against your new nature in Christ. This is a direct assault on your mind. Give no space to the devil, You must take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

3. Stirring up strife in key relationships. The enemy loves to cause division, especially in families and churches. If you are experiencing sudden, explosive arguments over trivial things, or a spirit of mistrust and suspicion is sown between you and other believers, be alert. James 3:16 warns that where you have envy and selfish ambition, you find disorder and every evil practice.

4. Unexplainable physical attacks.  This can include sudden, mysterious illnesses, chronic fatigue, or strange pains that doctors can’t diagnose, especially when they flare up before a significant spiritual event or breakthrough.

5. Hindrances in your spiritual life.  You may find it suddenly impossible to pray, read the Bible, or worship. Your mind goes blank, or you feel an intense resistance. The Word of God may feel dead to you. This is a direct attempt to cut off your supply line.

Recognizing these signs is the first step to using the authority you have in Jesus’ name to resist the devil and watch him flee (James 4:7).

Be free today in Jesus’ mighty name.