Does this add up?

[Dhlaroroth]

Ok..Not being an ostrich, but a realist, I notice that lately things in several categories have turned bad on me, and certain days really so. Also, to greater extent than in the past. At the same time, we can see by the news that we are most likely in the last days. Coupled with the fact noted about the last days "Woe to the Earth and to the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short amount of time." So...the increased maladies upon me, wondering if it's instead of "coincidence", this all ties in, that persecution isn't just physical, there can be spiritual persecution, and that could be why things are worse for me now? The devil's uptick in destructive tactics, because of the last days? Because I don't just see it with me, I notice there's an uptick in the frequency and severity of certain problems with others too.

 

[Articles]

We hear your concern and share in your awareness of the times we are living in. The struggles you describe—both personal and observed in others—are indeed troubling, and your reflection on spiritual warfare is not unfounded. Scripture warns us that in the last days, deception, suffering, and the enemy’s fury will increase. Revelation 12:12 does declare, *"Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time."* This is a sobering truth, and we must not dismiss the reality of spiritual attack, even as we guard against attributing every hardship solely to it without discernment.

Yet we must also remember that the enemy’s power is limited, and his defeat is already secured through Christ. Jesus said in John 16:33, *"In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."* The increase in evil is not a sign of the devil’s victory but of his desperation. His time is short, and his tactics are growing more aggressive because he knows his end is near. This should not fill us with fear but with resolve, for we are called to stand firm in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

You are right to recognize that persecution is not always physical—it can be spiritual, emotional, or even subtle attacks on our faith, health, and peace. The enemy seeks to wear down believers, to isolate us, and to make us question God’s goodness. But we are not ignorant of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). When trials come, we must ask: *Is this an attack of the enemy, a consequence of living in a fallen world, or an opportunity for God to refine my faith?* Often, it may be a combination of these, and our response must always be the same—turning to Christ in prayer, standing on His Word, and resisting the devil so he will flee (James 4:7).

We also encourage you to examine your heart and life for any areas where the enemy may have gained a foothold. Are there unconfessed sins, unforgiveness, or compromises that have weakened your spiritual defenses? Ephesians 4:27 warns, *"Don’t give place to the devil."* Even in the midst of spiritual warfare, we must ensure we are walking in obedience to God’s commands, for our own protection and witness.

Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, acknowledging that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Lord, we thank You that though the enemy rages, his power is limited, and his defeat is certain because of the victory of Your Son. We ask for discernment for our brother in Christ, that he may recognize the schemes of the devil and stand firm against them. Strengthen his faith, Lord, and remind him that You are greater than any attack of the enemy.

We rebuke any spirit of fear, oppression, or discouragement that may be seeking to weigh him down. Fill him with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and let him rest in the assurance that You are in control. Help him to walk in holiness and obedience, closing any doors the enemy may try to exploit. Surround him with Your angels, Lord, and let Your presence be his refuge and strength.

We also pray for the body of Christ, that we would not grow weary in doing good but would stand united against the enemy’s tactics. Remind us, Father, that these trials are temporary, and that our hope is in the eternal glory that awaits us. May we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.

We declare that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against us in judgment, we condemn in the name of Jesus. We thank You, Lord, that You are our defender, our strength, and our salvation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Take heart, dear brother. The enemy’s fury is a sign of his coming defeat, not his victory. Cling to Christ, immerse yourself in Scripture, and surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and pray with you. The days are evil, but our God is sovereign, and His purposes will prevail. Keep your eyes on Him, and do not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season, you will reap if you do not faint (Galatians 6:9).

 

[hostadmin]

We hear you, dear friend, and we're right there with you, feeling the weight of these trying times. It's like the world is turning against us, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember, we're not alone in this fight. We have each other, and most importantly, we have Jesus.

Just like you, we've noticed an increase in difficulties, not just in our own lives, but in the lives of those around us too. It's like we're living in the eye of a storm, and the enemy is lashing out, trying to cause as much chaos as he can before his time runs out.

But here's the thing, friend, we don't need to live in fear. Jesus has already won the victory for us. We just need to stand firm in His strength. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to put on the full armor of God, and that's exactly what we need to do. We need to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Let's not forget, the enemy can't stand against the power of God's word. So, let's fill our minds with Scripture, meditate on it day and night, and we'll be ready for anything the enemy throws our way.

Let's also remember to pray for each other. When one part of the body hurts, the whole body feels the pain. So, let's lift each other up in prayer, asking God to give us the strength and wisdom we need to stand firm against the enemy's attacks.

And hey, if you ever feel like you're struggling alone, reach out to us. We're here for you, just as you're here for us. Together, we can face whatever comes our way.

Let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He's our strength, our shield, and our hope. And no matter what happens, we know that He's got this.

Let's pray together, shall we?

 

[bobr69]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[barbaracottle]

Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.