When the Devil Tries to Sneak Up On You

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Identity in Christ, Living Free, Living Fully, Prayer/Spiritual Warfare, Renewing your mind with the Truth, Uncategorized 85 Comments

Did you know the devil wants to sneak up on you? He prowls around like a lion just looking for the right opportunity.

If Satan came to you in a little red suit with a pitchfork and announced himself as the devil, you wouldn’t believe a word he said. I wish he would, but he is cunning and disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

When he deceived Eve, he even quoted Scripture—albeit twisted and distorted.

He has a collection of old tapes from your past, and he pushes rewind and play, rewind and play. Oh yes, he knows which buttons to push. He also uses personal pronouns like “I” instead of “you.”

The thoughts sound something like this: I am a failure. I am a loser. I can’t do anything right. I’m ugly. The thoughts sound like you, feel like you, and before you know it, you think they are you. That’s the reason it’s so difficult to detect the lies. They sound just like us.

In 1 Chronicles 21:1, the writer notes, “Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.” Of course, David thought it was his own idea, but the Bible clearly states it was not. He would have never counted his fighting men if Satan had stood before him and said, “Hey, buddy, I know God wants you to depend on Him and His power, but I think you should count those fighting men just to make sure. You never know if God is going to come through for you. This way you’ll know just how strong your army really is.”

The devil knew David would have thrown him out by his hairy toe if he’d shown up in bodily form, so the crafty manipulator put the thought in David’s mind. David thought it was his own idea, and off he went. Nine months later, when the census was complete, David felt guilty for his disobedience. God forgave David, but he still had to suffer the consequences of his actions.

Satan knows exactly which lies to whisper in your mind. He has watched you over the years and is well acquainted with your insecurities, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities.

Do you tend to get discouraged? He will plant seeds of discouragement in your mind.

Do you tend to struggle with rejection and loneliness? He will put ideas about rejection and loneliness in your mind.

As Peter warns us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV). It’s up to us to recognize the lion’s growl of lies, and reject those lies with truth.

Let’s practice together:

The Devil’s Lie: You are condemned.

Truth: I am forgiven and free.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)

The Devil’s Lie: You’re a loser.

Truth: I am a conqueror.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37).

The Devil’s Lie: You should feel insecure.

Truth: I am secure.

Those who fear the Lord are secure (Proverbs 14:26 nlt).

And that’s how you do it!

What lie do you need to silence today? Leave a comment and we will stand in prayer with you!

Do the voices in your head tell you that you are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or just not enough, period? If so, it’s time to stop listening to the lies that sabotage your confidence and start embracing the truth of your true identity in Christ. It’s time to overcome the lies of the enemy with the promises of God.

Sharon’s book, Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence releases April 3, 2018. Get ready to:

silence the voice inside that whispers you’re not good enough.

accept God’s grace and no longer allow past failures to define you or confine you

be preloaded with the truth to fight insecurities

walk in the surefootedness confidence of God’s unconditional love

This book is a revised and expanded version of I‘m Not Good Enough…and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves, with 50% new material!  If you pre-order before April 3, 2018, you can receive a FREE digital download of Your Scars are Beautiful to God, and a FREE pdf version of Listening to God Day by Day and 5 Dreams of Every Woman and How God Longs to Fulfill Them, plus other goodies. You’ll also be eligible to win an audio version of Enough! Click here to learn more.

 

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Comments 85

  1. It tells me i wasn’t qualified for the Job, it tells me i can’t be rich nd stay rich or blessed.. Pls stand in prayer with me..

  2. In my life the devil has taken control for over 20 years in the form of Anorexia. Constantly speaking his lies in to my thinking and as much as I yearn to make God’s voice stronger I fail everyday. Please please pray for a breakthrough for me as I’m desperate and weary from the battle.

  3. I teach in an inner city middle school, 90% of our students are immigrants. While it’s a public school, more than half these kids are Christian. Still it’s a rough environment and the devil tells me daily I’m not up to the task of teaching them. Worse, I realize most of these kids believe the lie that they’ll never amount to anything. Pray that I can give them a can do all things through Christ attitude.

    1. May you be constantly reminded by The Holy Spirit that He will lead you through serving God in your being a teacher. I have prayed for you.

  4. My daughter has failed her nursing boards twice and is due to take them again in three weeks. I have been in constant prayer for her and I know everything happens for a reason and in His time but I always have fear and doubt creeping into my mind. I want to trust that God has this, and leave all of my worries to him.

  5. I have bouts of Depression…..I’ve been well.a few weeks now…but…but…the slightest low mood…fills me with the fear that the darkest days will return.
    Thankyou for your faith and your posts…God bless you and your writing.

  6. Love this devotion. Much to think on and pray about. Not being good enough… has been with me it seems all my life. And all of the mistakes that come with trying to be good enough.

    1. God our loving Father will get us there, comfortable and joyful in Him! Take heart, be courageous, He is with you.

      1. Please pray for me , I have not been feeling well. I need peace and help from God. I have all types of negativity going through my head as if the devil is right beside and I am very afraid.

      2. Here’s some advice for those in need. When given 2 choices, always make the right one. It might be the harder one but that’s the one that’s meant for you.

        Remember, every. Choice. Matters.

  7. Lord Jesus and my Sisters in Christ, life feels to be a series of failures as a daughter right now, especially as I work to comfort and support my fathers who suffers terribly from Parkinson’s and my mother who manages his care. I cannot find the right words to comfort either of them and I do not live close by. It is a difficult season in my life right now and I am missing out in the day to day joys of grandchildren, loving husband, children and friends.

    1. I pray for you Chris right now, for strength to be God’s vessel to your parents. Surely, our Heavenly father knows what you are going through. I pray for peace for you as a daughter too, and joy and all that God wants for you to feel to be reality too. Be sure, your parents know and feel your love. Sending a big hug !

  8. Holy moly. That was such a great post. I’m going to save it so I can share it with all my friends. Thank you

  9. Please pray as I’m struggling with being content. We moved into a bigger “nicer” house after several years, but I’m not happy with it and all it’s problems. I really regret not waiting for a house I felt better about but we didn’t have many choices and had to make a decision. Please pray that I have the Lord’s peace because it’s easy to look at houses I wish I had (not bigger, but smaller and with some of the features I wanted that I didn’t get with our current house) and long for them and not be grateful for what I do have. Thank you so much.

  10. The Devil used attention from men even when I was married. I just craved being told I was special . Now the Lord has given me a wonderful husband and I don’t crave anyone but him. Also I have grown to know the Lord is there to shower me with attention all the time. However Satan will try at work still to say look at him – I immediately say I CLAIM THE POWER OF JESUS – GET AWAY!

  11. As always, Sharon, thank you for your words of encouragement. I am 55 years old, graduated from culinary school last year & want to open my own business. My problem is that I always second guess myself & worry that I’m not “business-minded” enough to pull it off. I worry mostly about the finances – although my Heavenly Father has ALWAYS provided. Also, I finally have, after 20 years of being single, a wonderful God-fearing husband who supports me in this new chapter…I just need to believe in myself. I would really appreciate prayers because I know it’s the devil trying to keep me from taking that step on the path God has put me – I’ve seen his hand in putting me here at this time of my life & I thank him every day for His blessings! God bless you, Sharon, & thank you for all that you do!

  12. I’m not smart enough and I’ll never lose this weight because I cannot get motivated!
    Please pray for me to overcome the negativities.

    1. Sweet Amy, child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made. Your size does not not define you. God made you and sees a beautiful being. When He looks at you, He does not see your weight first, He sees YOU, the beautiful being that you are. Satan is the one who wants you to believe this lie about yourself. He wants nothing more than to create a wedge between you and God. Do not let him win. Remind yourself that you are Jesus’ girl; you are on the winning team; satan is part of the losing team! You are a winner my friend, and a beautiful one at that and don’t you ever forget that. Go Team Jesus!

  13. Lie: I am a failure as a mother and a teacher.
    Truth: I am not a perfect mother (no one is) but I am doing a very good job and the Lord will redeem my mistakes

    as for being a teacher, I sure would like someone to tell me what the truth is. I am too discouraged to come up with something positive.

    1. All mothers are great teachers! To love a child is enough. If you can change 1 person’s life through teaching you have completed your mission. God chose you to be a teacher, step forward in fatith! Let the morning bring word of your unfailing Love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go. For to you I entrust my life! Psalms

  14. Hello sharon and thanks for all of encouraging words and yes the devil has been telling me that i am a failure to my family cause we are going through foreclosure but i know my god is able so please pray for my family and i that the credit union will reverse the home back to me please thanks…

  15. Thank you! I’ve been convicted that the lies I’ve been embracing about abandonment and rejection are just that….LIES. The truth is that God is enough for me. I need to focus on my heart and mind embracing that.

  16. Rejected, shamed, unwanted, not good enough, never going to be enough, ugly, stupid, fat, dumb, crazy, paranoid…
    Spoken by parents and sibling.

    1. I pray for God’s truth to be revealed to you….and that you will feel it and know it. You are His very own child, called by His name…Royalty of the everlasting Kingdom…. I am sorry it feels terrible right now but one thing is sure, this will pass eventually.
      Praying for you.

  17. Having to find a job at 62. My husband and I have owned a small retail store for over 20 years. The economy has forced us to close. We have lost everything trying to survive. Now we are both looking for a job. I’m not confident that I’m qualified to renter the work force. Praying for confidence that we will find jobs

  18. Iam whole ,healthy ,complete ,spiritually mature ,passionate about Christ ,financially sound ,I have the reassurance every day that Jesus is mine ,I cast my cares upon Him ,because He cares for me ,come Lord Jesus,cover my chidren with the Blood of the
    Lamb ,show them favor bless my sisters and brothers in Christ ,my neighbors and my friends ,in the Name of Jesus

  19. My greatest insecurity would be my infidelity in my marriage… So during these times we were separated.. in the eyes of god we were still married! I was guilty for attention,I was dishonorable to my husband, I was lustful for another man… I wish I could take it all back I’m having the hardest time forgiving myself . My wonderful husband is the one who helped me find God and told me God put everyone in our life at that time for a reason. I just feel so guilty. I want to put my past to rest because I do not feel worthy.

    1. I understand but sharing what I remind myself: is my forgiveness of myself, bigger and greater than God’s forgiveness? Am I saying that I take His death in vain? Did His word not say that He suffered a gruesome death for ME? Did He die for nothing or am I trying to crucify Him all over again??? I have had to ask myself these hard questions over the years. Who do I think I am that my forgiveness is greather than my master’s. If He can forgive me, who am I that I cannot forgive myself or anyone else? Be free sister in Christ. He has set you free. Receive it! It is very humbling and it makes me cry when I realize and think about the things He has forgiven me for. It makes it easier to forgive others and a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I hope this helps

  20. Going through a divorce after 43 years and Satan keeps telling me I’m a loser and a failure. That I’m not young enough now (I’m 63) or pretty enough to ever have someone to love me. I’m trying to give God all my insecurities and fears and trying to trust that he has plan for me. The hurt and pain is intense and when I feel I’m making progress Satan knocks me back down.

    1. The Lord loves you so much and He will take care of you in this new chapter of your life! He has plans for you and He will be the best Husband you could ever have! Trust in Him. He only wants the best for you. This is not the end…He will bring you to a new life you can only imagine. It’s not about the last 43 years now. Just focus on Jesus and his Word. He will take you where He wants you to be. There is a reason for everything and He will guide you onward. One breath, one step at a time is all you need to do. Give it all to him. Nothing you could ever do or have done can make Him love you less. You are protected under His wings. You are a child of God and you belong to him, because He first loved you, not because of your marital status. Give Divorce Care a try. I will pray for you my sister! God bless you!

  21. I need to silence the lie that I am not worthy of saving, that I am useless and a failure. I pray for God’s strength and the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s truths to my heart and remind me of all God has done for me.

  22. I am financially secure. The Lord watches over me and takes care of ALL my needs. Money is not important when focusing my life on the Lord.

  23. I have found that the closer my walk with the Lord……the more Satan tries to fill my mind with lies!! I know that I am far from perfect but God loves me anyway….What reassurance!! Thank you, Sharon, for reminding us to turn away from the devil, his negative thoughts, doubts and fears…. and run into our loving Father’s open arms…..receiving His truth!

  24. Please pray for me as I try hard to recover and heal from my husband’s affair, his loss of employment and my mother’s ovarian cancer over 1500 miles away. It seems like the devil has a lot to play with in my life. Our 30th Anniversary is coming up in July but quiet honestly I can’t see being together when it gets here. Thank you so much for your prayers and for your openness and willingness to share.

  25. Please pray for me about thoughts of suicide I am a alone 70 year old disabled woman and the devil tells me that it’s hopeless this is where my life is going to be locked in my little tiny room no car no Transportation no one to love me so please pray for these thoughts I try to stomp on the devil but I guess I’m a little weak in my faith thank you

    1. Brooklyn dear soul, I am very sorry that you have to feel and think that way, this life sometimes does appear unworthy of our lives.Just know one thing, God is right there with you, even when it does not appear so. I am so happy you are able to even write! Your disability has not taken away your reason Brooklyn I see that, so you will remember your life isn’t your own, it has been bought at a price, Christ His only son, and that means you very breath belongs to God. Please do not take it away, never! Its is a debt you do not want to pay later, for later will surely come after this world. May God show you what He wants you to see. I am praying for you, that God comforts you and that the father of lies that’s finding a home in your thoughts be cast out in Jesus’ name! Brooklyn, you have a future in Heaven, and there will be no disability and all the woes plaguing you now. Just wait and see, please. Much love!

  26. Love this devotion. It’s really a lot to think on and pray about. Not being good enough is something that I had experienced. I know I’m good enough for God cause he loves me. Thank You Sharon Jaynes for all yout posts. God Bless You.

  27. That my father in Heaven hears my prayers that he will restore my Marriage and my family that nothing is to far gone for our Lord to breathe new life into my husband ron heart and our marriage. The devil is a liar

  28. Please pray for my daughter in law (Jenny). She is under attack by Satan and is attacking everyone in her family verbally and physically. Her family both sides do not know what to do (no one can get through to her). It’s not drugs but issues from her past that is destroying us all and causes her not to trust anyone. She also takes a seizure medicine which has horrible side effects. She and my son have a 3 year old and is expecting another child in April . Please pray earnestly for her, her unborn child , husband and her families

  29. Today I struggled with thoughts of being ugly and having aft cheeks. I had a picture sent from a girl I attended the woman’s conference with and I look ugly.
    All day the devil drilled it in my head over and over.
    I went to exercise at orange theory the gym I go to. My pants rolled down my stomach because I’m fat. I kept making mistakes and just wanted to hang my head and scream.
    I had a life changing weekend and yesterday was wonderful. Today was sucky and I want to start stein lean on scripture and god.plaese pray for my strength and understanding the word. Thank you.

  30. I needed this today. I am now 80 yrs, some days I feel like 80 young, but because of my health, loneliness most days lately I feel really old.
    I did have a church I was connected with, making friends, serving God. But it become a mega church, not the same..Pray for me.

    1. Mary, I am saying a prayer for you. May you find the delight in being closer to Jesus each passing moment as you spend more time with Him now. May God bring your way good people who remind you of God’s goodness and how you fit in the new picture. May you live really long until the day God says your job is done……for now, keep the smile and stay young at heart! Big hug!

  31. Hi Sharon, my name is Madeline and I’m fighting the devil always I always put myself down and I allow it I think of things that have happened in the past to me and blame myself. Someone I love has gone and will not talk to me my heart is so broken please pray for me.
    Thank you. Madeline

  32. I feel today has unravel unforgiveness, bitterness, anger all over again, people everyday stare at me, with hatred, or jealously. All i do with my life, is follow Christ, pray, read my bible, daily word, attend church. This year i started ushering and i am in choir. The more and more you draw toward Christ, the less you want the world offers.

    I feel the pinch of persecution. People grow cold more and more everyday. Words hurt, actions hurt. I need help with trust, loneliness, though i like to be a loner too. I don’t know. I really wish i had someone of true Christ like spirit and true caring to council with. My neighbors off and on, slam doors or bang against the walls. And it drives me crazy, \I’ve live here for 27 years. My mom and me 20. She passed away of cancer 5 years ago.

    I do have family around too, and visit . But i’ve been trying to move out and find me a single family house for rent. I have section 8. God has just bless me with the opportunity to do so, financially, it’s just dealing with worry and stress, i get tired easily and it’s hard for me to go to sleep at night. Around 1:00am or 1:30am comes home and slams the door and gets me anxious and takes me forever just to get to sleep, I end up waking up 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00 morning. and that’s why it’s hard for me to do a job. I need peace of mind. please pray, over me for forgiveness for any bitterness, or unforgiveness, anger in my heart. And that God will help me find a house, a nice and quiet place to move too. God bless, Sharon. Thanks! for this article!

  33. I hear Satan’s words so much and for so long! Watching my son who is alcoholic and at times drug addicted is beyond limits most days. I hear his words that I’m not a good mother over and over. I keep praying to Jesus. I know he has a plan for my son and our family. I know he is there every step of the way. I want answers now even though I know they come in God’s timing which is perfect.

    1. Post
      Author

      With out kids, we tend to take too much credit when they do well, and too much blame when they don’t. He is an adult who is making his own choices. You keep praying. That is your job right now. Don’t listen to the devil who will tell you that your son’s mistakes are your fault. Don’t listen to your son if he even implies that! We are choice makers. All of us. God loves you soooooo much!!!

  34. Thank you so much. I really needed to be reminded of this. I am a thinker and the enemy reeks havoc with my mind and my thoughts. Often feelings of insecurity overwhelms me, I was rejected as a child by my father and that haunts me to this day. Please pray that I would listen and believe God’s word. That I am loved, valued and chosen.

  35. My family has been under attack. One son and his wife have returned to using drugs after serving God for 5 years. My other son wants to leave his wife of 5 years and they have a 16 month old and just found out she is pregnant. My stepson and my husband have not talked with many grievances between them. My husband has no interest in studying or attending service.
    I am have problem accepting that God wants me to be successful and prosper.

    I would truly appreciate prayers for us all.

    1. Post
      Author

      Hi Carmen. It sounds like the devil is really attacking your family. REad and stand firm in Ephesians 6:10-18. As far as God wanting us to be successful and prosper, that language is a bit dangerous. Successful and prosper can mean many things. The Bible doesn’t promise that we will have lots of money or be successful in the world’s eyes. In the world’s eyes, Jesus and his disciples were very unsuccessful. In God’s eyes they were. Successful in God’s eyes is following Him, loving Him, standing firm in Him, obeying Him,drawing close to Him, having faith that no matter what is going on around us, He is still on His throne. I do pray for you and your family. It sounds like you are in a desert place. Moses knows how you feel right now, and so does Jesus. They both spent time there…and God showed up.

  36. Thank you Lord for using Sharon in this way on this day. Help me to recognize lies from the enemy of my soul. The lie he placed in my mind about peace and rest. Help me to recall scriptures about both peace and rest. In Jesus ‘ name a-men.

  37. Be afraid of everything you do. Your health, your finances, your future.
    God did not give me a spirit of fear but power love and a sound mind.

  38. I feel like I am a financial failure because I can’t keep up with the bills. My husband leaves it all to me and gets angry if I say we are behind. So I don’t talk to him about money. And I am struggling just to keep my head above water. 😔😢I have been praying for awhile now to be debt free and for my husband to help me not yell at me. Thank you for your prayers.

  39. Thank you for this post. I really needed it. I have two kids that I homeschool and they both have special needs. I constantly feel like I am not enough to raise them and school them properly. I always feel overwhelmed and inadequate. Would appreciate your prayers and I love your posts!

  40. Was in an accident 2 months ago and now needing to withdraw from meds. Satan keeps telling i’m Weak and can’t do it. Puts thoughts in my head that make me scared. But Jesus is in me and He can help me overcome the dependence. Please pray!

  41. thank you so much

    Thank you so much Sharon for reminding me that i should live out the truth of God’s liberating words.

    I am encouraged and incredibly blessed knowing that satan is a liar and a loser.

    God bless you and your ministry more and more and i pray that through your ministry and your life many will be secured

    in Jesus Christ.

  42. I need someone to believe n pray with me for the reconciliation of my family. My only family left is my only sister Irene a niece Minarda n her husband Dtewart n their 2 beautiful children n a nephew Travis n his wife Nash n their charming son Trent
    My family has not recognized me as part of the family for over 11 years n they have no contact wirh me even though my nephew n his family lives in the same duplex as me.
    I am a widow of over 17 years n i also lost my only blind n cerebrayl palsay son at the age of 16 on 2001 24 days after his fathers death. Then my parents died 2 n 2n a half years later.
    I am very lonesome n miss n love my family very much. I have tried everything for them to accept me incuding constant prayer for over 11 years.
    Please believe n pray with me they will find Overflowing n abundant love in their hearts for me with total forgiveness for whatever they r holding against me (i do not know what it is) n accept me back into the family .
    I need n love my family.any suggedtions what i can do to get through to them?
    My sister n niece also claim to be christians.
    I need the love of my family. Thanks!!

  43. Past abusive actions brought to me in my youth. Years of suppressing this to not create family breakdown. After many years was confronted and spoke Truth only to be totally alienated by siblings and remaining parent. In a small community, the devil had me completely under a rock. I am still struggling to come out from hiding. I haven’t been able to tell myself “I am ENOUGH.”Wanting so to feel that freedom,but my faith is so weak. I am very Blessed, loving husband and awesome adult children. Great job, nice home and clean clothes. Yet the devil is always telling me it is never enough to step out into the light.This is a true battle that many would only encounter a smile but never know how insecure I feel.

  44. The devil whispers lies to me all the time. That I am worthless, alone, annoying, ugly, fat, that I will always financially struggle and things will never get better for me. I struggle to not listen to these lies and to not let my emotions get the best of me. One day at church God spoke to me through someone and reminded me to listen to Him and that He is always with me. It was the most comfort from God I have felt in years and reminded me that I am not alone and He knows everything going on with me. I pray that I will always remember that and I believe His word that He will never forsake me.

  45. Satan has been lieing to my husband, Tim. Telling him our marriage is over, there is no hope, i didn’t love him the way needed and he is justified in seeking love from another woman. For 2 years I have been praying for his deliverance from these lies and for restoration of our marriage, but Satan is very stubborn and he knows, my husband is too. Please, partner with me in praying for Tim to overcome these lies and to see God’s truth. I love and forgive him, unconditionally and I want him to accept me as his wife again.

  46. Dear God,
    I commit my court case into your hand. I pray that you send an angel judge or a judge that will be a blessing to me. I pray that you give my lawyer the wisdom to conquer my opponents in this case. I know that you can make all the impossible, possible. I pray for good news this week. I pray that you grant me all my heart desires. I put my trust in you because you are my only hope. I thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do in my life. In Jesus name. Amen!

  47. I am a Teacher and school will be out soon so last night I was thinking about how I was going to make ends meet this summer. I have been having a rough time financially and I’ve been believing God for deliverance however
    it hasn’t happened yet and the devil attempted to plant more seeds of doubt but I rebuked him and the thought in Jesus name a d went to sleep. To God be the glory because he always provides. Gob bless you all and may you prosper.

  48. The devil ( Satan) has tried many times to try and use the desires that worked on me before again. I condemned Satan to the furthest and deepest of nothing and ask far away from me and my family in the name of JESUS. I need prayer warriors in the name of JESUS to help pray for me and to push back this Devil and his demons. Amen

  49. The devil trys to tempt me into thinking that the further I stand with God the less happy I will be. And he furthers this lie by taking things that make me happy on earth. Such as getting me in trouble , or taking my phone. So when i get unhappy I will slowly fall out of the word and go back to my wordly ways and oddly enough my happiness comes back. But now that i relize this, I stand with God more and more trying to find my happiness in him.

  50. That I’m ugly that God has failed me why didn’t God make you pretty like everyone else why does he allow people to call you ugly and say mean things

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