Does the Enemy really attack successful believers?

[littlelight]

Can he make himself sound like God?


I was raised in a church that did not believe in the enemy as a literal entity; they taught that the thing in the bible referred to as **** (don't like saying his name) was actually the carnal mind of man.

I've been through many years of searching when it comes to my faith, and five years ago when I began going to a church that taught defense against his schemes, I actually started experiencing success and victory in my walk that I had never experienced before, or at least not since I was very young.

However, when I started experiencing real victory, I also started experiencing tremendous trials; like, being hemmed in on all sides, being accused and slandered by the people I love... it just basically seems like my victories were not without some serious backlash.

Is this God correcting me? Is it wrong to begin to use faith against our afflictions and the strongholds in our lives?


Lately it's seemed like it could be God actually doing these things. I haven't been able to maintain my strength or shield during these battles, I'm worn down and I'm starting to think I've angered the Lord somehow.


My victory was just there not too long ago. It was wonderful, I'd spent so many years seeking it and it felt like I'd finally made it to a place that the Lord had been calling me to for a long time. However the backlash I've experienced is really making me feel like I've done something wrong.


Perhaps I am unworthy of deliverance and healing? Perhaps I am unworthy of a faith that moves mountains. I know that I have that kind of faith, I've seen it work. But it's only brought about more difficulties.


Has anyone else ever experienced this? Does anyone know how do discern between actions of the Lord, and actions of the enemy? I am new to this site and I know that I don't know anyone well yet but I can't help but post this question! I am so confused and I'm losing so much ground in my faith it's frightening... suddenly I don't feel worthy to even claim His name anymore.... Even if it is all the enemy, I can't help but feel like all of his accusations are correct.

Thankful for you all ☺ hope that you are blessed.


-Valerie

 

[littlelight]

PS

I don't know if it's ok to post things like this or not, I'm a little afraid that it may be too heavy a topic for a public forum. If that is the case forgive me, perhaps I posted too hastily.

 

[Rockerduck]

Friends build you up, enemies tear you down. After I was saved, I lost all my friends one by one. In laws criticized and challenged my faith. I made new friends, real friends. At work, co workers tried to get me in trouble. I was tape recorded in secret to trap me. None of it worked, then it was jealousy because the good Lord blessed me in my endeavors. This went on for 25 years and a divorce. I still have faith and still have victory. Some are God's trials, to strengthen me, while others were clearly the devil trying to discredit me in front of others(to keep them from being saved).

 

[littlelight]

Friends build you up, enemies tear you down.

Amen.

I learned something today: loving my enemies means looking at the people who just destroyed what it took me a lifetime to build and forgiving them, and loving them, because you know that they must not know any better, and because you must shine a light anyway, because love and salvation, the light is to shine for us all.

If nothing else, I'm realizing how nothing in this life can be about me. It's a learning process for me. I'm trying to learn.

I want to see Him someday ☺ if I can keep my focus on that I can remember that this all must be for my betterment.

 

[littlelight]

@ Rockerduck

I still have faith and still have victory.

Awesome

 

[Brighthouse]

Blessing to you Struggling!! Yes Indeed!!! When you start overcoming in Jesus,the enemy will not sit back and let this continue! He wants to stop this A.S.A.P.!! And worst then even this!! He wants to have you think it is all your fault to!! Sound close to what you are going through right now??

Well it should sis!! Because anyone of us,who looks to move forward in Christ Jesus shall suffer!!! It is a promise!!( john 15:18-20!) You see sis,I have found that when we first come to Jesus,he really watches over us for quite a time! But then!! He steps back from us a bit! ( Jeremiah 17:10) why???

Because it is time for us to grow more in him! We have his Word( our Bible) But it has no value unless we get into it! Study it,learn from it,and finally use it! The correction you feel you are getting is not from the Lord,but rather the enemy is wanting you to forget all about what you have already learned!

He is looking to make you feel like 2 cents waiting for change! He is as God's word says he is sister!! a Thief!!( john 10:10) and the very father of all lies!! ( john 8:44) Why I am I showing you the Word? So that you will know how to stay out of the hole! God's Word is the answer to our lives!

Of all the things our living Lord put above him,there is only one thing above God!! ONLY!!! His Word is above him!( psalm 138:2) Jesus never came to judge the World!! NEVER!!! His Word does the judging!!( john 12:46-50!!!) So what does our wonderful Lord wish to teach us?

Words we speak have great power!!( rom 4:17-18) We call in to being,because our Father did,and our Father lives in us,so we in him to also create! What we learn is never to create bad things,but only good things! I can't, can't! What is impossible to God?? ( luke 1:37) I believe you are getting the picture here!

Who can separate you from our Lord??? Only we can sis!!( rom 8:35-39!!) Get into,and stay into the Word!! It truly is our life sis! You will also find out something by doing this as well!!Your prayer life will be much more powerful as well!!! Someone asked me the other day,mark,do you think not praying is a sin?? I said well lets see!! It was for Samuel!!( 1 sam 12:23!) It is for me as well!

To be strong in the Lord which is not asked, but rather commanded!! We have to know how to! ( eph 6:10-20!) Notice the Word!!Always God's Word! because dear sister my own words have no power whatsoever! UNLESS!!!! They come from my Father who art in heaven! Even as your Father who art in heaven! To follow,means we must give our time.

Time we usually use for ourself! When we learn this,we then can walk in Jesus with HIS authority!! And tread all over the enemy!!( luke 10:19!!)May this give you great encouragement!! And courage!And be received by you as it was given to you!!( 1 john 4:4-19!!! Please do read this,and know Jesus loves you so very much!!He chose you ,you know!!( john 15:16) To bear good fruit! So Bless God go out there and bear some to his Glory!! We love you sis!

 

[littlelight]

Brighthouse, Thank you so much for the encouragement!!!! And for the Word too!!!!

That is definitely what I need, it is so appreciated.

I don't wanna give up, just sometimes I guess maybe I can't do it all alone. Thanks again for your help! It helps more than you know.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:36


Sister Valerie

In agreement with the encouragement that Brother Brighthouse has given you from the Word

That disgusting liar and thief satan will whisper all manner of lies into your ear..... he wants to make you doubt and fear.

However, he is a defeated enemy so when discouragement comes you can turn to the word of God and rejoice in His beautiful and wonderful promises.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.
Romans 8:37

You are a child of the King of kings, redeemed by His precious blood.....and satan has no power over you. Praise the Lord!!!!

...Ye are washed.... ye are sanctified....ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:11

Keep studying His Word.
He will not fail you no matter how you feel

Praise the Lord!!!!

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee
Isaiah 54:10

Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour
Isaiah 43:1-3

Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1

Bless you

 

[Rev T.S.Perkins]

let me add if i may this thought ..First ..every time you make a move towards God the enemy goes nutz..Christ was percicuted we can expect the same...Second ..a sucsessful beliver is an overcomer and that makes him mad ..the enemy will seek you out and try to slow you down with doubt and various attacks ..IF you are in the middle of a time trials ..then Praise God for you have put the devil in his place ..under youre foot ..no body says it will be easy as a beliver and if they do they lie !..but one thing i do Know is no matter what we face Christ faced it first and through Christ we can become MORE THAN conqourers over all we face ..the best part is the growth and Knowalge we gain by the battles we face ,,we flex our spiritual muscles and it makes us stonger ..take Heart for the battle is the Lords ..be faithful in the Lord and the study of His word ..resist the devil and he WILL flee with his tail between his legs ..our God Reigns ....REV

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

You have many intelligent questions,some even have answers that most of us can agree upon and some are sort of contention points between various belief systems.The great thing is not many of these disagreements within the body of Christ are critical to God's mercy being applied in a tangible way to your life and those around you.

I was raised in a church that did not believe in the enemy as a literal entity; they taught that the thing in the bible referred to as **** (don't like saying his name) was actually the carnal mind of man.

I have to constantly change the picture I get concerning theses things every time I learn something I didn't know.Sometimes I have to learn much just to understand how how little I know about a subject.

I can't say I have the answer but I have done enough research to clarify what the prince of darkness is not,this thread covers many differing opinions including mine if you want to follow up and do your own research:
http://www.talkjesus.com/bible-study-hall/38191-devil-myth-reality.html#post180908

It's a long thread but this links to some other interesting things to consider:
http://www.talkjesus.com/bible-study-hall/38191-devil-myth-reality-3.html#post183823

My victory was just there not too long ago. It was wonderful, I'd spent so many years seeking it and it felt like I'd finally made it to a place that the Lord had been calling me to for a long time. However the backlash I've experienced is really making me feel like I've done something wrong.

When your the only light shining in the dark don't be surprised if it draws some bugs.
I call the enemy darkness because when the light appears he just doesn't seem to be around.I also call my enemy my teacher because he is driving me to fulfill Jesus's command to be perfect.So the enemy is my patron and he is putting me through the "Son's of God University".

Lately it's seemed like it could be God actually doing these things. I haven't been able to maintain my strength or shield during these battles, I'm worn down and I'm starting to think I've angered the Lord somehow.

Ultimately it's his show isn't it,the cool thing is we can switch roles anytime.
It's the goodness of God that leads to repentance so if he was calling you to repent he would simply melt your heart with his goodness.
Instead he appears to be calling you to display his goodness in the midst of...whatever your going through.

Is this God correcting me?

It seems to me he has equipped you with faith and you may be about to understand a new level of walking by faith.
The fact that your here asking questions tells me you have been made aware that you need clarity on some issues.I would not say correcting but guiding and training and sharpening perhaps.

Does anyone know how do discern between actions of the Lord, and actions of the enemy?

That's easy,all things work together for good.We are to overcome evil with good.If I really believe all things work together for good then if evil is done to me it will somehow turn around for good for everyone involved(including myself).

suddenly I don't feel worthy to even claim His name anymore.... Even if it is all the enemy, I can't help but feel like all of his accusations are correct.

OK,then we know that the grace of Jesus Christ can operate in your life through faith,not because your such a good person.It sounds to me like the finished work of Jesus Christ is cut out for situations like this.

Is it wrong to begin to use faith against our afflictions and the strongholds in our lives?

God has given Jesus a name that is above every other name.
God said to Jesus "sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool".
God said "Heaven is my throne and the earth my footstool.
Afflictions and strongholds are exalting their names above the name of Jesus so yes we are to enforce God's word through our authority in Christ.After all God didn't say he would make his enemies his hat,no footstools are low and anything that exalts itself over the name of Jesus is footstool material and we are to be good craftsmen.

Whatever your situation is if it is exalting itself above God's name it is just another uncircumcised Philistine waiting to become a footstool.
Peace

 

[Brighthouse]

First,let me say how thankful I am for Fragrant Grace,Rev T.S.Perkins,and this cross hurts among the rest here! Words do matter! And how we use them to others helps determine whether or not we are used by the Lord or not!

It was about 2 years after I became saved at the very tender age of 22. LOL That like you struggling,I went through the very same thing! I am also so glad for you struggling! It takes some guts to pour forth a concern,because first, you had to believe that through this the Lord would help you!!

YOU my dear used what Jesus is all about for each of us! ( Hebrews 11:6) We all lack!! No one among is is perfect! But that is why Jesus did not even have his own disciples go out alone!

Did you know that we all under our Lord have become adopted!! This is very personal!! Jesus did indeed pick you!! Personal!! Here is further proof, so you with your own eyes can see,and become further blessed!! (Gal 4:4-9) That is why we do not go back! We move as our Father does!! Forward!BLESSED!!! To be, his very sons and daughters!! You are favored!! You were hand picked!

Sure makes me feel very thankful and special to our Lord!! And so because we are so special to our Jesus,we then are to become special unto those who do not know his most wonderful name! Sure some are going to give us a hard time,they will mock us,etc.. In this way,we also know something else!! We are DOING!!! HIS WILL!! Our Father is very happy for us, and with us!!

You are never ever alone!NEVER!! I am so glad, you are so encouraged struggling!! I am so joyful for that!! In this, you can also see something else!! After we become fixed through God's own Word,we through our loving Jesus can help fix others! To make all of us a working part,because, you are needed!! We all are needed,sometimes we do not feel needed.But we always are needed! If we were not,we would not be Sons and Daughters of the Most High God!! We would have never been adopted!!! Thanks to all as well for letting us SEE Jesus!! I am so thankful to be counted among such wonderful brothers and sisters,adopted BY GOD himself!

 

[faithfulservant]

Struggling, you have described my exact situation. The backlash can be immense at times, and seem highly coordinated. It's an attack of Satan, and God allows it for a number of reasons (all of which are for our benefit, even though it's almost unbearable at times).

God has a plan for you that goes beyond this age. He is refining you, burning up the dross in the furnace of affliction so that we will shine like a precious metal that's been smelted free from any impurities. You should not feel bad about any of this, just keep leaning on Him and trusting Him and He will take care of everything.

All the apostles, and many, many saints down the centuries have endured the massive trials and testings. Here are some enlightening scriptures regarding the truth about suffering and affliction of the Christian in this age:

1) These afflictions prepare us to minister to and comfort others who have been afflicted:

2 Corinthians 1:3-8
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.
7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

2) To show that what we endure is to His glory, and not the glory of any person, for no person could endure such afflictions without being completely crushed under the weight of such a trial. In short, this is an awesome supernatural work of God within the believer (that's happening in you right now!):

2 Corinthians 4:7-12
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

3) There is a massive grace extended to us (that unbelievers are not afforded) as we endure, though we may stumble, we continue on in the faith despite ourselves because it is God working in us to keep us going. Understanding this should give us joy:

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 7:4
4 I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.

2 Corinthians 8:1-2
1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,
2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.[/COLOR].

1 Thessalonians 1:6
6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

4) We are being trained through trials to prepare us as worthy vessels to rule and reign with Christ in the Millenial Kingdom:

2 Thessalonians 1:4-5
4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
The Judgment at Christ's Coming
5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering

5) The testing of our faith produces a greater ability to endure and overcome trials:

James 1:2-4
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

6) If you are afflicted for doing right, do not be ashamed, you are in very good company in the sight of God. You are counted among His prophets and mighty people of faith, and your reward will be great:

Matthew 5:10
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1 Peter 4:16
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

Hebrews 11:36-40
36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated---
38 of whom the world was not worthy---wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

7) When we are afflicted because we are followers of the Lord, we should rejoice for being counted worthy:

Acts 5:40-41
40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

 

[jari]

hi
the more closer you get to God the more devil attacks because christians who are close to God are best God's servants and the devil wants to stop anyone knowing God or having faith. (and being happy God's child by His grace alone because of what Jesus did on the cross for us)

But i believe God wants also give us trials and tests so that our faith gets greater.
and that's how we also grow, by having our faith tested in fire like gold is refined in fire and made pure.
so in the end trials and doupt's will work for our best if we just work on them.
so that we will doupt less and less God's love for us.


(Joh 10:10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.


the sole purpose of the adversary is to steal and kill , so none of the stealing and killing comes from God.
i think the more stronger we are in faith the more better we are able resist the lies of the devil.

so i hope the truth clears up for you. and i know u will be stronger after all the struggles.

i'm sure God wants only the best for you but as we struggle in the mean time we will have to grow in knowing His grace better. so that we will also be able to discern between the truth and lies that rob from us.

(2Pe 3:18) *But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

your not the only one going through stuff like this and i can say from experience that the more we learn to trust Him and His grace and more we are able to give of our searching, to His hands, the better we grow.

God bless you

 

[littlelight]

I can't tell you all how thankful I am for what you've shared with me here, I can't express how much it helps to be able to reach out to you all and learn from you.

One thing I am noticing is that when I suffer alone, it keeps on coming and will not relent. When I bring it out into the light and have other believers aware of it, suddenly it's not winning anymore, suddenly it knows what it's doing isn't going to work anymore. Praise God!!!!!!!

"...And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony;" Rev 12:11

Thank you for the help and encouragement, if you only knew what a great thing it is... bless you all.

 

[faithfulservant]

I'm not going to post all the scriptures, but consider what Christ endured. It's all in the gospels. We, too, partake in many the same sufferings (some more than others):

• They schemed against Him behind His back.
• They wrongly accused Him of all manner of things.
• They ridiculed Him to His face.
• They slandered Him to others.
• They tried to entrap Him and manipulate Him in arguments.
• They questioned His past.
• They attempted to kill Him multiple times.
• They brutalized Him.
• They mocked Him when it appeared that He was defeated.
• And finally, they murdered Him.

The most wonderful thing about all of these horrible trials was that it was His victory! And we, too, will be victorious through Him. And yes, by the blood of the Lamb (and all that grace) and the word of our testimony. THANK YOU, FATHER! THANK YOU, JESUS!

 

[Rev T.S.Perkins]

stuggiling..I know ive already posted but as i read youre opening thread again God gave me something for you ..as always i hope ive herad right and this finds you in due time.


WE serve a Lord thats busy
as busy as can be
and even though this world keeps Him going
He still has time for me
HE heals the sick Helps the lame to walk
and causes the blind man to see
and in the middle of all these wonders
He still has time for me
So if youre feeling over whelmed
tossed and thrown
like a ship lost at sea
I tell you most certin
and with out a doubt
HE STILL HAS TIME FOR THEE....

Jeramiah 33:3 says. Call on Me .Youre GOD and i WILL show you great and mighty wonderious things that you know not of.......God so loves you and i Know that there is no greater joy for a Dad than to hear their child need them.. blessings in Jesus name

 

[faithfulservant]

Amen, Rev.

 

[faithfulservant]

Psalm 34:19
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

 

[littlelight]

To my new friends at Talk Jesus:

I thank my God upon every rememberance of you,
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Being confident in this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in [you-me-all of us] will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:3-5)

I had a big day today. I have known it was coming for a few days and I must confess, I was dreading it a little. Last week, after receiving such wonderful encouragement from you all, I stepped back from my current struggles and just put it all in the Lord's hands. "I leave it to you, Lord, whatever you will, I leave it to you."

I can feel my peace returning back to me, and that 'big thing' I had been anticipating today went so well, so smoothly. I really needed that extra help, that extra encouragement. Thank you all again for your generous kindness, you're the best!!

 

[Fragrant Grace]

To my new friends at Talk Jesus:

I thank my God upon every rememberance of you,
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Being confident in this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in [you-me-all of us] will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:3-5)

I had a big day today. I have known it was coming for a few days and I must confess, I was dreading it a little. Last week, after receiving such wonderful encouragement from you all, I stepped back from my current struggles and just put it all in the Lord's hands. "I leave it to you, Lord, whatever you will, I leave it to you."

I can feel my peace returning back to me, and that 'big thing' I had been anticipating today went so well, so smoothly. I really needed that extra help, that extra encouragement. Thank you all again for your generous kindness, you're the best!!

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.
Isaiah 26:3


Praise the Lord sister that is good to hear!!!!

Here are some beautiful words of encouragement....some wonderful promises from God's word to remind you of His perfect love and the wonderful peace He gives.

when - YouTube

May each day be beautiful for you as you rest in His love and lean on Him. He will never ever fail you!!!! Praise the Lord.

Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Psalm 119:165