Though the Devil may attack at any time, he will always do it when he thinks it is to his advantage. We see this method, time and time again, in the Scriptures.
When Does Satan Spiritually Attack the Believer?
1. After A Great Spiritual Experience We find that Jesus was attacked by Satan right after His baptism.
" As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
This should teach us a lesson. After a great spiritual experience we should be ready for spiritual attacks from the enemy.
2. At The Beginning Of A New Spiritual Endeavor Satan also will attack when someone is beginning a new spiritual quest. Right after Jesus was attacked by the Devil, He began His public ministry.
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (Matthew 4:17). Knowing Jesus was about to begin His ministry, Satan attacked Him. 3. When Believers Are Physically Vulnerable We also find Satan coming when believers are in a weak position - either physically mentally ,or emotionally. Jesus was attacked after He had fasted for forty days. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards He was famished. The tempter came and said to Him, "If indeed You are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread" (Matthew 4:2,3).
4. When A Believer Is Alone We also find Satan attacking when people are alone. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil
(Matthew 4:1). 5. From An Unexpected Source Often times Satan will attack us from an unexpected source someone from whom we do not think. After Jesus had told His disciples that He was going to Jerusalem to die and then be raised the third day, He was rebuked from an unexpected source. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to You." But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things" (Matthew 16:22-23). This is an unfortunate occurrence, but it happens too often. Satan comes to the believer through the sin of another believer. These are the attacks that hurt the most. 6. Always Comes Back And Attacks Again After Satan attacks a believer and then leaves, he always returns again. When the Devil had finished every test, he departed from Him until an opportune time
(Luke 4:13). Though the believer may win a temporary victory over the Devil in their spiritual battle, Satan will return to fight at another time, it is important to always put on the armor of God everyday so we are not surprised.
We, therefore, must always be on guard. Remember You Are Victorious Though Satan does attack, and sometimes entices believers to fall into sin, ultimately we are victorious through Christ. This is the promise of God! The Apostle Paul declared. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen (2 Timothy 4:18).
Shalom