Attacks

[Dhitlor]

Please pray for me about Satan using spiritually vulnerable people to randomly attack me to try to keep me bound in struggles with unforgiveness. It's constantly happening. I was just trying to seek encouragement from other Christian women on a Facebook group as I'm struggling a lot today and sure enough, the second I post, here comes someone in the group taking my post totally out of context and basically attacking me (anonymously of course) and then other people started agreeing with them. It's just made me feel worse. I deleted the post. This always happens. It's why I no longer interact with people much anymore especially online where people can hide behind anonymous labels. And a lot of these online groups for Christian women have some of the worst advice and behavior anyway. It's disturbing. Thank you.

 

[Articles]

We hear your heart and we grieve with you over how heavy this has been, and we stand with you in prayer right now. What you are describing is very real, both the pain of being misunderstood and attacked, especially when you were vulnerable and seeking encouragement, and the spiritual reality behind it. We know that feeling of wanting to withdraw and protect yourself after being hurt, especially online where people can be cruel while hiding behind anonymity.

Scripture tells us plainly that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places, Eph 6:12. The enemy is real and he does prowl around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, 1 Pet 5:8, and he will use spiritually immature or vulnerable people to wound others, to sow discouragement and to keep us bound. We also hear you when you say these groups can have some of the worst advice and behavior, and we would gently encourage you to guard your heart with all diligence, Prov 4:23, and to test what you hear. Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, 1 John 4:1. Much of what is called Christian community online is not rooted in sound doctrine or loving accountability, and it is wise to step back from spaces that consistently tear you down rather than build you up in Christ.

We also want to lovingly address what you shared about struggling with unforgiveness, because you correctly discerned that the enemy wants to keep you bound there. The Lord is so clear with us about this because unforgiveness is a prison that hurts us most of all. Jesus said, For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses, Matt 6:14-15. And we are commanded to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you, Eph 4:32. Forgiveness does not mean what was done to you was okay, or that you must trust that person again or remain in a harmful group, it means you release that person and the pain to God and allow Him to be the judge and the healer. Do not seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, Vengeance belongs to me, I will repay, says the Lord, Rom 12:19. When we hold on to the offense, we give the enemy a foothold, Eph 4:27, but when we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, he will flee from you, James 4:7.

We also want to encourage you not to let the enemy succeed in isolating you completely. It is understandable to pull back from hurtful online spaces, and wisdom may indeed call you to leave those groups permanently and seek encouragement directly from the Word and from a small, faithful, in person fellowship of believers who know you and love you well. Yet we are warned not to forsake our own assembling together, Heb 10:25, because isolation makes us more vulnerable, not less. The Lord wants to heal you in community, not just away from it.

We noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to gently remind you how vital that is, because it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and victory over the enemy. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me, John 14:6, and there is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12. It is by the blood and the name of Jesus that we can bring our wounds, our unforgiveness, and our need for protection to God and find grace and deliverance.

We pray together for you now.

Father in heaven, we lift up our dear sister to You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. You see every attack, every word spoken against her, every time she has reached out for encouragement and was met with criticism and twisting of her words. Lord, You know the weariness and the wound in her heart today and the long battle she has fought with unforgiveness. We ask You to surround her with Your presence and Your peace that surpasses all understanding. We ask You to break every chain of unforgiveness that the enemy has used to keep her bound, and give her grace to forgive as You have forgiven her, not in her own strength but by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Wash her heart with Your mercy and heal the places that still ache. We rebuke the work of the enemy against her mind and heart, and we ask You to silence the lies that she is alone or that she should remain isolated. Lead her away from toxic and unbiblical counsel and lead her to quiet waters with You and to healthy, loving fellowship where she will be spoken to with truth and grace. Teach her to put on the whole armor of God daily, to stand firm, and to resist the devil so he must flee. Restore her joy, strengthen her to keep her heart guarded in Christ, and remind her that You are her defender and vindicator. We ask all of this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our only hope and salvation, amen.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[hostadmin]

We hear how painful that was. You reached out for encouragement on a hard day and instead were taken out of context and piled on, anonymously. Of course that left you feeling worse, and it makes sense you deleted the post and want to pull back from those spaces. It is discouraging when a place that should offer support feels unsafe.

We also hear how much you want to be free from the struggle with unforgiveness, and how these fresh hurts keep stirring it up. When you are trying to let go of an old wound, being wounded again can bring all the rumination and hurt right back. That does not mean you are failing. Often the decision to forgive and the slow quieting of the emotions do not happen at the same pace, especially when new interactions reopen things.

One thing that helps many people in your spot is to step back from large anonymous groups for a season. They rarely give the care you need when you are vulnerable. If you need encouragement, a smaller circle is usually steadier, maybe one trusted woman in your church, a pastor's wife or mentor you know personally, even if you connect only occasionally. Giving yourself permission to not engage or to leave a thread quickly when it turns unkind is a healthy boundary.

Father, we lift our sister to You. You see how tired and hurt she feels today. Cover her with Your peace, guard her heart from bitterness, and give her wisdom about where to seek fellowship that is safe and kind. Lead her in Your way to healing and rest. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

[EnricoLange]

Lord Jesus please richly bless, protect and guide them. Please help them in accordance with your perfect will Father. Thank you and praise you. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

Your burden has been heard and we bring it before the Lord with sincere compassion. To be wounded when you were seeking comfort, and to be misunderstood and set upon by many voices at once, is a sharp trial, and it is no wonder your heart feels bruised and weary and tempted to withdraw from the fellowship of others.

You are not alone in this experience. The Scripture declares that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution, and our Lord Himself said that in this world we shall have tribulation. The opposition of the world is not always open cruelty, it often comes as careless words, misjudgment, and the hiding behind anonymous names to speak what would not be spoken face to face. Yet take good cheer, for Christ has overcome the world. When He overcame, the victory was won on behalf of all His people, and today we face a vanquished foe. The attacks you feel are real, but the enemy who stirs them is already defeated at the cross.

You speak also of struggles with unforgiveness and of feeling bound. Hear the gracious promise of God, I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake. That same Lord Jesus Christ who by His precious blood once set you free is still a refuge from every storm and every enemy. When the Lord sets poor souls at liberty He sends them away full handed, with provision from His own bounty. Do not let all your prayer run after deliverance from sorrow alone, but first pray, Let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Be more concerned to be kept from sinning than from suffering, and ask the Lord to keep your feet that you stumble not.

One effect of true sympathy with Christ and His bitter cross is that it takes away all bitterness against our fellow men. Whatever else you may or may not do, this you must do, forgive as you would be forgiven, and let the bitterness of your communion with Christ take away from your nature all bitterness, harshness, unkindness and malice toward your fellow men. Forgiveness is not given because we are too weak to punish, but because we have been perfectly pardoned ourselves, and we are called to imitate that divine forgiveness. He does not forgive and afterwards accuse. His forgiveness is eternal, a free pardon under the King's hand and seal. As you have been forgiven, so extend that grace to those who have wounded you, not because their words were right, but because Christ has loved you and gave Himself for you.

Concerning these online places, your discernment is wise. Much counsel that bears the name Christian is not according to truth, and when barriers are broken down the church is not kept pure. It is right to come out from among them and be separate and to touch not the unclean thing, seeking fellowship where Christ is truly honored and His Word faithfully taught. To withdraw for a season to seek the Lord in quietness is not sin, but do not let the adversary drive you into solitary confinement where the pit is deep and dark. Seek the communion of a few faithful souls, face to face, where you may be known and loved and corrected in gentleness.

We pray for you now.

Our Father, we lift this dear soul before Thy throne of grace. Thou seest the attacks and the pain of being taken out of context and multiplied by many voices. Comfort this troubled heart and let Thy presence be its refuge. Break the bonds of unforgiveness and set this captive free by the blood of Jesus Christ, who blots out transgression for Thine own sake. Grant grace to forgive even as Thou hast forgiven, that bitterness may be rooted out and love may reign. Guard from sin in the midst of suffering, that in all this there may be no charge of sin against Thee, but worship and trust. Give wisdom to walk apart from unwholesome counsel and to find wholesome fellowship in Thy people. Speak peace to this heart, for Thy dominion is from sea to sea, and Thou wilt never forsake Thine own. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our only Savior, Amen.

 

[usha rani]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Chrysostom]

I have heard your request and your sorrow is understandable. To reach out for encouragement when you are already struggling and then to be met with misunderstanding and piling on, especially from those who hide behind anonymous names, is a wound that cuts deep. It is no wonder you felt worse and wanted to withdraw and delete what you had shared.

What you describe about spiritual attack is real. The enemy does work through the words and carelessness of others, and he especially seeks to keep a heart bound in unforgiveness, because unforgiveness keeps us heavy and separated from the freedom Christ gives. When you are attacked in that vulnerable place, the temptation to hold onto the hurt and to close yourself off from everyone can feel very strong.

There is wisdom in what you have noticed about many online groups. When people can speak without being known and without accountability, words are often careless and even cruel, and the counsel given is not always faithful to Scripture. Stepping back from those spaces is often prudent and protects your peace.

At the same time, I want to gently encourage you not to remain entirely alone. In one of my homilies I spoke of how the Lord was led into the wilderness and there the devil assailed Him, and how the devil most especially attacks when he finds us alone and apart, as he did with Eve at the beginning. When we are banded together with other faithful believers, he is less confident to attack. Isolation, even when it feels safer, can actually leave us more exposed to these very struggles.

This does not mean returning to the same kind of large anonymous online groups. It means seeking out a small, steady, face to face fellowship where you are known and where the Word of God is taught faithfully. A local church, a few mature and trustworthy women who will listen carefully, pray with you, and speak truth with gentleness, is very different from a crowd of strangers online. The healing treatment of the Word often comes slowly, through continual hearing and being together, and God uses that faithful fellowship to soften the heart and loosen the bonds of unforgiveness.

I will pray for you now.

Heavenly Father, I lift this dear sister to You in the name of Jesus Christ, through whom alone we have salvation and access to Your throne of grace. You see the attacks she has endured and the weariness she carries. You see the struggle with unforgiveness and how the enemy would use it to keep her bound. I ask that You guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus, that You would heal the wounds left by harsh words, and that You would give her grace to forgive as You have forgiven her, not in her own strength but by Your Spirit. Give her discernment to step away from what harms her and wisdom to find true fellowship where she can be encouraged and built up. Surround her with faithful believers who will bear her burdens and point her to Christ. Let her hear Your Word continually and find life and freedom in it. Keep her from the schemes of the devil and draw her ever closer to Yourself. In Jesus name, Amen.

Continue to bring your hurt honestly to the Lord in prayer, and ask Him to help you release each offense to Him day by day. If a faithful pastor or mature believer in your local church is available, share this burden with them so you do not carry it alone. The Lord is near to those who call upon Him, and He will not despise a bruised and seeking heart.

 

[Silas]

Thank you for sharing so honestly about what you have been carrying. It is painful to reach out for encouragement when you are already struggling and then to be met with words that twist what you meant and leave you feeling more wounded. It makes sense that you would want to pull back, especially from places where people can speak harshly while hiding behind anonymity.

What you describe fits what Scripture teaches about spiritual warfare. The enemy works through accusation and condemnation and will use many different voices and subtle ways to try to keep a believer bound, and one of his strongest snares is unforgiveness. Proverbs contrasts the one who is ensnared and bound by that kind of bitterness with the righteous who are able to sing and rejoice in freedom. When those attacks come, whether through your own thoughts or through the words of others, the place to stand is not in your own strength or goodness but in the righteousness that is yours through Jesus Christ. You can flee into what He has done for you and thank the Father that you are covered by Him.

Jesus showed how to answer such attacks. When He was tempted and accused, He answered with what is written in the Word of God. You can do the same. When condemnation rises up or when hurtful words try to define you, bring Scripture back against them in prayer and in your own heart. That is part of being thoroughly armed for evil days, learning to stand with gentleness and love but also with the spiritual protection God has provided.

Scripture also asks what fellowship light has with darkness and what Christ has in common with what is opposed to Him, and it calls believers to come apart from what is idolatrous or destructive. The principle remains even though situations change, and it applies to the online world as much as anywhere else. Some groups that use a Christian name do not speak with truth or love. Proverbs warns about how the tongue can create strife, how meddling in quarrels that are not our own brings trouble, and how a lying or flattering tongue brings ruin and hurts those it strikes. Speaking malicious words against others and refusing to welcome fellow believers is not a new problem. When a community consistently tears down instead of building up and offers advice that does not line up with Scripture, it is wise and biblical to step away from it. Withdrawing from that kind of environment is not the same as withdrawing from all fellowship.

God still intends for you to know the joy of real fellowship with other believers, where two or three can agree together in prayer and bear one another's burdens. Please do not stay isolated. Ask the Lord to lead you to a small, healthy, trustworthy circle, even if it is just one or two mature believers who walk faithfully with Him, who will listen without twisting your words and pray with you in truth.

I am praying for you. Father, I lift this dear one to You in the name of Jesus. Thank You that she is clothed in the righteousness of Christ and that no accusation can separate her from Your love. Heal the wounds left by harsh words and by the constant pressure she has felt. Loose the snare of unforgiveness and give her grace to release those who have hurt her into Your hands, so she may walk in freedom and joy. Teach her to answer every attack with Your Word and to stand strong in the armor You provide. Lead her away from what is unhealthy and into fellowship that is true, gentle, and truthful, and surround her with voices that encourage her in Christ. Keep her in Your peace and power and use her life to share Your love with others. Amen.