Overcoming Spiritual Warfare and Testing: Lessons from Apostle Peter’s Experience

What a tangled web we weave

I’ve learned—and continue to learn—that the devil seeks those he can devour and that he is extremely angry with believers in Christ. [1] To see an extreme form of the devil’s testing of faith, look no further than the book of Job in the Old Testament. What’s particularly striking is that the devil’s attack wasn’t just on Job, but it impacted his family, his wealth, and his health.

Even when given advance notice of a satanic attack, we can still fail the test. A prime example is the Apostle Peter. Jesus warned Peter of his testing and told him exactly what he would do—deny Him three times. [2] Peter was determined it wouldn’t happen to him, but it did, exactly as Jesus foretold.

Some might say this was before Peter received the Holy Spirit and became the chief apostle. However, that’s not true. Peter continued to wrestle with the devil, as seen in Galatians 2:11–14, where Paul rebukes Peter for religious bigotry.

Having the Spirit is not an insurance plan against the devil’s attacks. It does, however, assure that you won’t be tempted beyond your capacity to resist. [3] Believers are advised to put on the whole armor of God and remain watchful at all times, focusing on pure and good thoughts. [4]

We must understand that God’s faithful will be severely tested to prove if their faith is genuine. [5] We should also remember that the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking those he can devour. [6]

One of the greatest openings for the devil’s attack is anger. [7] Unchecked anger becomes a doorway for spiritual attack—this includes fear that leads to anger and resentment.

I know this on a personal level, having witnessed the damage such attacks can produce. Just this morning, I was in conversation with a family member. During our discussion, I started thinking on the various trials and difficulties I overcame as the son of a sharecropper from the American South.

The subject turned to how the current administration is striking down the 1964 Civil Rights Act and eroding nearly all civil rights gains made for people of color. I hold great fear in my heart about the direction this administration is taking America. I fear it will ultimately ruin this great nation and close doors of opportunity for many groups.

But that wasn’t the real problem; as my fear has led me to extreme anger. When anger increases, it actually feeds the beast and makes it stronger.

My anger overwhelmed the room and atmosphere to such a degree that my more sensitive family member felt almost assaulted by the negativity. Thankfully, I realized I was losing control and understood that Satan had entered the room and into me. I fell for the opening and in doing so, overwhelming evil was allowed to feaster.

In self-reflection, I recognized an insecurity and fear I shouldn’t have harbored. I work hard to contain and discipline myself against anger, but I feel a growing darkness enveloping the nation—and ultimately the world. This darkness also seeks to infect us with despair, if we allow it.

I describe this power as one that feeds on discord and unrest. As I have mentioned before, good fruit cannot come from a bad or corrupt tree—you know them by their works. If division and disturbance arise from a proclaimed Christian-sanctioned action, it is in no way an act of the Holy Spirit or condoned by Jesus.

It’s fake and it leads to corruption — period.

I never want to display a false sense of self-righteousness based on achievement. I’ve learned that I benefit far more from knowing others’ mistakes and how they overcame their challenges than from those who have never been severely tested or who try to present an image of perfection.

I expose myself in these writings and reveal that I, too, face testing, and I have faced failures. However, thanks to the Lord of Heaven and Earth, I do learn from the experience.

The haze of history and the ever-increasing power of negative influences have made the sea of reality we navigate gray and murky. Like water nearly impossible to see through, we are all swimming in a sea of predators. [8] Insight and clear vision are critical to avoid attack.

The Bible compares God’s people to sheep needing a shepherd. [9] Some find it insulting to be compared to sheep, but this stems from a lack of vision and righteous leadership today.

It’s not that followers of God are dumb, but they live in a dark, dangerous, and murky world.

A good shepherd with insight understands this and works to guide the followers of Christ carefully. We in the faith now need such leaders to help us prepare for the tribulations ahead.

© Bob Russell

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Sources & References:

[1] 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12: 9–12, 17

[2] Luke 22:54–62; Matthew 26:69–75; Mark 14: 66–72

[3] James 4:7; Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 10:13

[4] Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 6:10–18

[5] Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:6; 1 Peter 1:7; Revelation 3:10; James 1:2–8. It is very important to know what gives room for the devil to attack and test our faith.

[6] 1 Peter 5:8–9; 1 Timothy 4:1

[7] Ephesians 4:27–31; Proverbs 29:11

[8] Call them hungry sharks if that provides a more vivid image.

[9] Psalms 100:3; John 10:27; 1 Peter 5:2; Matthew 9:36–38; Psalms 23:1

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