Whether you believe it or not, spiritual warfare is waging all around us in the unseen spiritual realm. In these battles, Satan and his evil forces seem especially intent on attacking and dividing our marriages.

At least, that’s been my perspective and experience.

Because of that, I’ve decided to share some biblical insights at MM, drawn from my “Battle Strategies” Facebook Bible study, so we can battle strong!

We will start off today with the account of Adam and Eve since they experienced spiritual warfare, not just individually but also as spouses.

This week, our focus will be on this section of their story …

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” Genesis 3:1-3

I’ve discovered that there are at least 4 battle strategies, based on this reading, that can help us to fight effectively in the constant onslaught of spiritual warfare.

4 Strategies to Help You Battle Strong . . .

1. Know that Satan watches your actions and attitudes to see what you desire.

We can see just how crafty the serpent—an allusion to Satan—was here since he could tell Eve desired this fruit.

He must have watched her actions and attitudes, gleaning intel that would prove profitable at the right moment.

But even if she didn’t desire it then, with the suggestion that it might be forbidden, it suddenly became desirable.

Isn’t that the way it is with all of us? Forbidden fruit always seems to taste the sweetest—at first. 😦

Even though evil forces can watch and tell what we desire, this should not cause us fear. It simply reminds us to watch for and guard against sinful desires in our lives.

What forbidden or all-consuming desires in your life are creating distance between you and God? Between you and your spouse? 

Ask God to help you surrender them to Him today.

2. Realize that Satan tempts you to question God’s word, often distorting it.

The moment you question God and His word is the moment you can know you’re being tempted by Satan. Deception is one of his prime tactics.

The first way to engage this battle strategy is to ask God to reveal the lies you’re believing. Then run to God’s word for the truth!

What conflicts or uncertainties are you facing in your marriage and life? What do you fear, feel bitter over, or ashamed about? 

These are the kinds of inroads Satan uses to whisper his lies!

Be sure to search for guidance from your Bible, pray about it daily, and seek wise Christian counsel.

3. Remember that Satan often attacks when you’re isolated and vulnerable.

The serpent must have noticed how Eve had wandered away from Adam’s side. He might have also known she was more vulnerable than Adam in regard to this command since she hadn’t heard it firsthand like her husband had.

God had told this command to Adam before Eve was even created (Gen. 2:16-17).

This vulnerability becomes even clearer for us since Eve misquoted what God had told Adam. If she had been wise here, she would have run to the safety of “community” for clarification and guidance. Her community was small, but mighty—her husband and her God.

Who are you running to?

Are you turning to God? Finding support from godly same-gender friends? Staying connected with your church even during a pandemic?

If not, you’re making yourself terribly vulnerable to Satan’s attacks.

4. Square your feelings and beliefs with the truth of God’s word.

Satan loves to prey upon our emotions and desires. He knows how powerful they can be to distract and discourage us in life and marriage.

Next week, I’ll be discussing four types of desires he loves to attack as we read and examine further in this biblical account. But, for now, be sure to live by God’s truth, instead of relying on the truth of how you feel.

Your feelings are simply indicators that are alerting you to a problem. Just never give them the power and freedom to determine your attitude and actions toward your spouse, especially when they contradict God’s word.

What feelings are you letting hinder your connection with and love for your spouse? How do you think God feels about your negative emotions and beliefs—based on His word?

Find out, if you don’t already know!

Next week I’ll be continuing in this blog series—“Marriage Battle Strategies.” Click here to read them all!

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Which of the 4 strategies do you need to work on or remember the most in your life and/or marriage?

 

What is a different strategy you’ve used to battle strong in times of spiritual warfare? How did it help?