Topical Study: Understanding Hindrances To Healing

 

Topical Study: Recognizing Satan’s Attacks

“If there was anything to forgive– I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.”  2 Cor 1:10-11

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Prov 23:7

A major component of the season we are in is to heal from wounds that have distorted our understanding of who Father-God truly is (His nature, heart and view of us) and the wounds that have caused us to live in the fear of man. The Church is being prepared to once again represent the Light to the lost in the United States.  Overall, we are not doing this very well in the current condition we are in. 

Whether it is fear, shame, anger or a general restlessness within our soul, these are all hindrances that limit how deeply we will experience the burning love our Lord and Father have toward us.

This study will expose the basic plans on how Satan works to stop healing from coming to pass.

His plan is always to sow seeds of death in our belief system. Our heart, where the seat of how we relate to God, ourselves and others comes from. The enemy tries to grow bitter roots in our soul. 

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”  Heb 12:15

1. Holiness– starts with our beliefs, (aka our thought life) and plays a vital role in the depth of intimacy with Father. 
2. Bitterness defiles ourselves and others

NOTE:

the enemy can do nothing… nothing…. without our agreement. The battlefield takes place in the mind.

(2 Cor 10:5, Rom 12:2)

Satan’s Devices (plan of attack):

Let’s dig in. Satan’s attacks always come in the form of deception. Deception takes root in the areas of our beliefs that are not aligned with God’s Truths.  They may be broken down into 4 basic areas:

• Rejecting God’s Blueprint
• Unrepentant Anger 
• Bitterness of Soul 
• Getting Offended With God

Rejecting God’s Blueprint – 

It is very difficult to flow with what the Lord wants to do in one’s life without understanding what that plan is.  We often may think we do not understand what God is doing with us, but if we are honest, we might admit our soul just plain doesn’t like His plan very much.  This is rooted in a misperception of His nature, which always leads to a lack of trust.

Rejecting God’s plans starts out as sin, and if left unrepented, leads to rebellion. Rebellion left unrepented, leads to partnering with some nasty demonic principalities (whether we recognize them or not). This leads to all sorts of ailments spiritually, relationally, and in other areas of our life. 

Unrepentant Anger – 

When the Holy Spirit begins to speak to us about an area of our heart that is rooted in pain, fear, or cooperating with the enemy, etc… The first thing Satan will begin to do is remind us how we were wronged. 

Thoughts will float across our mind. These thoughts will be focused on “getting back” at that person, or odd as it may seem, anyone else that we can vent our anger on. Because this anger is rooted in hatred toward God and Love (His very nature), do not be surprised if thoughts come to mind about ways to hurt or wound a friend, family member,  or even a stranger that seems particularly kind or loving (it will start with fleeting daydreams, that if left unchecked will grow into meditating on them).  In fact, the more someone emanates Christ, the more you may feel buffeted to hurt such a person or wish them ill.

Please know: this is not you!! This is demonic in origin and seeks to gain a foothold through our current pain and hurt. 

Our accountability deals with what we will do when we are hit with these thoughts that evoke ungodly feelings. The purpose of this attack is to prevent you from choosing forgiveness and life. If Satan can keep us offended with our past, he gets us to partner with him; the accuser of the brethren. 

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Eph 4:27

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” 1 John 4:20

Unforgiveness blocks gateways to intimacy. It is in contradiction to the very nature of our Father and Savior. It grieves the Holy Spirit, and sows poison into our heart and walk. It breeds bitterness within us. Quite simply,  it kills. 

Bitterness of Soul-

If we make the choice to hold onto the offence (either real or perceived it doesn’t matter- it is a heart issue) we now have given footholds to Satan to buffet us further. We are now sowing to darkness through deliberate agreement with the Accuser. 

The Word is full of instruction about this law of sowing and reaping. Whatever we sow seeds of, will be reaped to varying degrees of multiplication (Mark 4:20, Matt 13:8, Gal 6:8).

“For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”

Hosea 8:7

“What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.”

Romans 6:21

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.”

James 3:18

We know that positionally (meaning how God sees us) we have been made the Righteousness of God through the blood of Jesus Christ, (2 Cor:5:17, Col 1:19-22, Eph 1:6). James 3 is referring to relational living. It is speaking of what kind of walk, fruit and degree of intimacy we will enjoy, or forfeit with our Heavenly-Father (Hebrews 10:14).

Getting Offended With God-

Once bitterness sets in, shame, self-pity and anger will take root. It is almost impossible to see the goodness and love of God from this perspective, because one is choosing to agree with outright demonic thoughts and beliefs. I have watched countless times this cycle take hold of many hurting brothers and sisters. It grieves my heart tremendously, and is horrific to witness. This is often the point where many believers actually decide to walk away from fellowship with each other, and even begin to reject God Himself.

Summary:

Engaging the enemy is not a battle as most of us have been trained to envision it. When we say “battle” we must frame it according to the reality of our authority and already having victory. I prefer to use the term “slaughter.” When we enter into a battle with the enemy, it is to lay waste on the battlefield… we decimate the enemy. This principle is outlined throughout the entire life of the judges, prophets and kings of the Old Testament.

Please remember, the only thing Satan and his minions have is the consent we give them. Consider taking some time to research the above points and ask Holy Spirit to show you what areas, if any, we have agreed with Satan’s lies. Then we repent and get into alignment with God’s Truth.

This of course, requires us to know His truth about His nature, our identity as sons and daughters, and of course, His heart. This is an investment that will without exaggeration change the course of your walk and level of intimacy forever. 

We are in a season of counting the cost. It is not about whether or not He will love us. He already loves us fully forever. This is about what kind of life we chose to live on this Earth. 

“I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.” 

Song of Solomon 7:10

He is calling for the hearts of His children… Will we answer the call?

Your brother,

The Son of Jesse~