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The enemy has special attacks for those with special calls.

After realizing the special call on my life, I had to position myself to be better prepared from the enemy’s attacks. Please understand that Satan is the ultimate strategist (outside of God) when it comes to distracting you from your purpose. If I go back to the track and field example (from last week's Part 1), he acts as the “dirty” runner that runs into your lane, tries to make you jump the gun at the start or any other method that will break your focus and concentration. I believe that the main downfall of believers is that we too often underestimate our enemy. (That has historically been my problem at least!) Yes, we seem to be well aware that Satan will attack us, but we should also consider how he’ll attack us. Did you know that the wiles of Satan from Ephesians 6:11 is actually translated as methods or a system? Will you believe that Satan has created a step-by-step approach to result in your ultimate downfall? He’s in his war room thinking of attack and counter-attacks to employ so that you are destroyed. He is lining up his best personnel for your demise. He is strategizing and re-strategizing every facet of his plan. He is taking this really seriously! We have to realize that this is how he operates. Here are some of the methods he's attempted in my own life:

1. SATAN'S METHOD -Use hurt experienced years ago from being rejected by those close. SATAN'S GOAL - To keep us from trusting all people, possibly even those that we need to enhance our ministry.
2. SATAN'S METHOD - Threaten to use the sin that we are just getting victory over. SATAN'S GOAL - To tarnish our reputation among a new set of friends.
3. SATAN'S METHOD - Use those near and dear to us to tell us that we are getting too radical and that “it doesn’t take all of that”. SATAN'S GOAL - To keep us silent about what God has done for us.

He fights dirty! So what can we do in the face of all of these vicious attacks? We can allow God to use them for his glory. We should know from scripture that there is nothing that Satan can do to us unless it is allowed by God (see the Job 1 reference below). All of our battles with the enemy our sifted through the loving arms of our Father for our good. Yes, that’s right. We must trust our heavenly Father that in the midst of every attack from Satan that results in a harsh word that destroys our confidence that it is working for our good. We must trust our heavenly Father that for every criticism we receive from doing the right thing that it is building the foundation for solid integrity and character. We have to trust God on this “walk of faith”, regardless of what our natural eyes can see or natural mind can comprehend. Here’s the reason why. Although Satan’s plan is detailed and well-constructed, it is all a part of a bigger more detailed, better constructed plan by God. God has had a look at Satan’s plan of attack for our lives. But because our Father knew us before the foundations of this world and had purpose for us even then, he took care to construct a superior outline for our lives that would result in our success—despite every attempt of Satan to destroy us. So I encourage you (as I encourage myself!) to endure through Satan’s attempts to distract your purpose and make up in your mind to persevere until the end. All the years of agony and pain, will be well worth the glorious things that God has in store for me and you!

Lord, help me to realize that Satan employs a system of well-thought out attacks to distract me from my race course. Show me how to counter all of his moves by being on guard with your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ephesians 6:11-13; 1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

Honoring A Father