The devil circles around us all the time looking for our weakness, our vulnerability. He’s scrutinizing a spot in us where he can get in a jab of doubt or discouragement, or wedge an opening for sin. I have a question for all of us. Do we have to just sit there and take it?

In battle, there is both offensive and defensive strategy. A good general knows how to evaluate his enemy’s weaknesses and use them to his own advantage. As Christians, we are often surprised by the fierceness of attacks and ignorant and naive about the battle with the enemy of our soul. If we are smart, we can turn the tables.

One strategy is to use each attack to attack back. For instance, if we are hit in our finances, we give an extra offering. If we are hit in our health, we visit a hospital and pray for the sick, if we feel down and discouraged we send a note of encouragement to someone. It’s like saying to Satan; “You’re going to be mighty sorry you messed with me; I’ll double in good any ill you try to send against me.”

As the devil tries to close in, we take “the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16) Lob it back at him. When his fiery darts fizzle, he’ll turn tail and run!