God has more for us, and He does not want us to fall into spiritual traps that derail His plan for us. Recognizing the enemy’s traps is important to stay out of trouble.
I was in my office one day when our pre-school teacher dropped off a young woman who was getting a divorce. This was an unexpected visit and I had never met this woman before. It was not long into this conversation when I sensed a strong warning by the Holy Spirit. I should not meet with this woman by myself again.
I set up the next counseling session with a more experienced pastoral counselor and me. The more experienced pastor then took over the remaining sessions. I did not recognize the danger of the situation, but the Holy Spirit did. By listening to the Holy Spirit, I did not fall into a trap.
Paul Recognized the Traps of the Enemy
On his way to a prayer meeting Paul met a fortune telling slave girl. Paul recognized the woman for who she was and cast out the demon within her. Many times, the enemy attacks us before we begin a spiritual activity in attempt to stop us.
Over time I have I have experienced this several times, which tells me this is a typical tactic. The enemy wants to stop you before you get started. Adam and Eve were just beginning their spiritual journey when they were deceived in the Garden of Eden. The enemy used fear against Jeremiah so he would not proclaim the words the Lord gave him. Nehemiah faced opposition before they started rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
How to Recognize the Traps of the Enemy
- Pray for wisdom: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. [1] Pray on a regular basis that God would give you a keen awareness of the enemy’s plans and being used against you. The Lord wants you to be able to recognize the enemies’ traps and avoid them.
- Spend time in God’s word: When we spend time in God’s word we are being built up and we become familiar with God’s truth vs satan’s lies. Also, as we spend time in God’s Word, we see how other people overcame the traps of the enemy. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.[2]
- Be open to being led by the Holy Spirit: We may not recognize a trap of the enemy, but God does. When we spend time with God, we are better able to recognize his voice. John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—[3]
To learn more about recognizing the traps of the enemy, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-has-more-defeating-the-demonic
[1-3] The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.