6 Strategies for Parents to Combat Spiritual Attacks in the Family

1. Be on Guard

Why can things be going so well, and a few weeks later, a bomb drops? When we expect life to run smoothly and trouble hits, it can be daunting. Trouble is coming. Knowing that is step one. Let's be prepared.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

While this might not be the most reassuring news, it at least shifts your mindset and prepares you. Christians will be tested, challenged, and sometimes persecuted in this life.

"If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." (John 15:20) If they persecuted Jesus, why would we be exempt? Sadly, we are not.

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8)

We've established that the challenge is coming. Our first strategy is to be on guard and ready. We know our families will be faced with resistance. What can we do about it? First, we need to know who the enemy is.

2. Remember Who the Battle Is With

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:10-12)

It's easy to forget who the battle is really with. You can't defeat the spiritual forces of evil with fleshly actions. We need assistance from the One who already defeated Satan, who has power and control over everything, even Satan.

Ephesians 6:10 teaches us some crucial truths: we can only stand strong in the Lord's power, God's armor protects us, and the battle is ultimately against the spiritual forces of evil.

How do we arm ourselves against evil spiritual forces? One way is by taking every thought captive.

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

God did not intend for us to defeat Satan on our own. He has equipped us with tools to use against Satan's attacks. Our primary defense is Him. Through reading and knowing His Word, understanding His promises, and depending on Him in prayer.

3. Write the Scripture on Your Hearts

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17)

We cannot fight evil spiritual battles alone or with weapons of this world. Knowing, studying, and memorizing Scripture is one way we can equip ourselves to withstand the spiritual battle.

As we take every thought captive, we match it against what Scripture says. As we memorize verses and put them in our heads and hearts, we gain wisdom to discern what thoughts are true, and which are attacks from the enemy.

God doesn't throw darts of doubt, guilt, or shame. Those are from Satan. As we read Scripture, it reminds us of God's wonderful promise to us. He promises to be our helper, to be with us, and never forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

There are many Scriptures that help in times of difficulty. It would be tough to memorize them all. However, pick a few. You will be surprised how the Holy Spirit will minister to you, bringing these Scriptures to your mind just when you need them. You will also have them available when you are coaching your kids through their challenges. Memorize them as a family.

Reading and memorizing Psalms reminds of who God is, our need to repent, and how to take our troubles to the Lord. Which brings me to my next point: prayer.

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4. Prayer

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray." (1 Peter 4:7)

Peter reminds us to be alert, self-controlled, and pray frequently.

Jesus is a wonderful example of how to pray in all situations. He tells Peter, James, and John to pray so they will not fall into temptation while He goes off and prays to the Father.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41)

In Matthew 6:6, Jesus teaches us the Lord's prayer and how we should pray. "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Prayer is a critical part of defeating spiritual warfare. Our kids may not understand the serious threat of Satan and the power of prayer. Therefore, it is our duty to pray for them and with them.

Every day before our kids depart from us, my husband or I bless them. We pray for their protection, and to be kept from evil. They are so used to it that it's expected before they get out of the car.

There are few things we can control in this life, less than we'd like to admit. Prayer is a way to ask for God's protection and guidance over our families. He has control over everything, we can make our requests known and pray they are His will.

When our kids are young, your prayers of protection and guidance will carry them through. One day, they will be praying for their own families, so let's ensure we teach them how.

5. Church Attendance and Involvement

It is critical to equip our family with the knowledge of the Bible and surround them by a community of believers. Thankfully, God designed the church for exactly this purpose. It is critical to get your family into a biblical church where the Word is faithfully preached every week.

If you want your kids to be equipped to stand firm against the enemy, they will need biblical knowledge. Taking them to church every Sunday allows them to receive the teachings of a solid preacher. When you model how important attending church is, you set them up to continue that practice as adults.

Being immersed and active in a church gives you a group of faithful believers to lean on when things go south. When you feel the attacks ramping up, you have other warriors who can pray with you and for you. Don't take this for granted.

We are not meant to take on this world alone. God created the church so we could worship Him, be fed the Word of God each week, be reminded of the importance of repentance, and be surrounded by other believers.

If we are left on our own, without the fellowship and nourishment of the church, we would all be in spiritual danger. If we aren't constantly fed with the Word of God, we will drift. Being fed weekly is critical for our souls; it helps prepare us for what is to come.

6. Be Intentional

Our decisions have consequences. Who we surround ourselves with on a regular basis matters. Those people will impact us either negatively or positively. Our children are in the same boat. The people they surround themselves with matter.

Be aware of who your children are around, the people who are influencing them. The enemy could use some friend or neighbor to plant the seed of doubt in their mind. Be knowledgeable of who they are spending time with.

Satan can easily access your children through their friends and try to get them off course. Remember who our enemy is; it's not actually the friend but rather the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Just like Satan tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, he will try to tempt you and your children. Therefore, being on guard, praying, and aware of the external influences impacting your family is critical. Sometimes crummy things happen, and it may just be life throwing you a curve ball. Those are opportunities to persevere, show grit, and model how when life tries to knock you down, you get back up.

Spiritual warfare is real, yet there are things you can do to protect your family. We won't always know why we are dealing with tough times, but the response is the same: prayer, Scripture, and perseverance.