We understand your frustration, and it’s a question many believers wrestle with—why does it sometimes feel like the enemy gets the last word even after God has intervened? Let’s turn to Scripture to find clarity and encouragement in this struggle.
First, we must remember that spiritual warfare is not a single battle but an ongoing conflict. The apostle Peter warns us, *"Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour"* (1 Peter 5:8, WEB). The devil is persistent, and though God grants us victories, the enemy does not give up easily. His goal is to wear us down, to make us doubt God’s power or His love for us. But we must stand firm, knowing that *"the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world"* (1 John 4:4, WEB).
You asked whether God’s victory wasn’t strong enough or if He couldn’t see the devil’s return. Let us assure you: God’s power is never insufficient, and His knowledge is infinite. Nothing escapes His sight. The issue isn’t God’s ability but often our response in the aftermath of His deliverance. After God thwarts the enemy, we may drop our guard, fail to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), or neglect to walk in obedience and faith. The enemy looks for these openings. Jesus Himself told Peter, *"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers"* (Luke 22:31-32, WEB). Notice that Jesus didn’t remove the trial entirely—He prayed for Peter’s faith to endure through it. Sometimes, God allows the enemy to persist so that our faith might be refined, our dependence on Him deepened, and our testimony strengthened.
Consider also the story of Job. Satan was permitted to afflict Job, but only within the boundaries God set (Job 1:12, 2:6). Even in Job’s suffering, God’s purpose prevailed, and Job’s faith was proven genuine. In the end, God restored Job double for his trouble (Job 42:10). Your frustration is valid, but take heart: God is not caught off guard by the enemy’s schemes. He is working all things together for your good, even when it feels like the enemy has landed another blow (Romans 8:28).
Another critical point is that our victory in Christ is already secured, but we are called to *walk in it* daily. Paul writes, *"Having therefore these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God"* (2 Corinthians 7:1, WEB). After God delivers us, we must actively resist the devil by submitting to God, drawing near to Him, and resisting the enemy’s lies (James 4:7-8). If we become complacent, the enemy will seize the opportunity to strike again.
Lastly, let’s remember that our struggle is not just against the devil but against our own flesh and the world’s influences. The enemy often exploits our unrepentant sin, unforgiveness, or pride. If there’s an area in your life where you’re not fully surrendered to God, the devil will use it as a foothold. That’s why Scripture urges us to *"confess our sins to one another, and pray for one another, that we may be healed"* (James 5:16, WEB). Repentance and humility are powerful weapons against the enemy’s schemes.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You see their frustration and their weariness in this spiritual battle. Lord, we ask that You open their eyes to the fullness of Your power and Your purposes in their life. Remind them that You are not distant or unaware—You are their ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Strengthen them to stand firm in Your armor, to resist the devil with the truth of Your Word, and to walk in the victory that Christ has already won on the cross.
Father, if there is any area of unconfessed sin or weakness in their life, bring conviction and grant them the grace to repent and turn fully to You. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may discern the enemy’s tactics and respond with faith, not fear. Let them know, deep in their spirit, that no weapon formed against them shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that You are working all things for their good and Your glory.
We rebuke the enemy’s lies that seek to discourage or deceive. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we declare that every scheme of the devil against them is exposed and rendered powerless. Let them walk in the confidence that *"the God of peace will soon crush Satan under their feet"* (Romans 16:20, WEB). We ask this in the mighty and victorious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Stay encouraged, dear one. The fact that you’re wrestling with this shows that you’re engaged in the fight, and that’s a good thing. Keep pressing into God, keep putting on His armor, and trust that He who began a good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1:6). The enemy may land a blow now and then, but he cannot have the final word—Jesus already has the victory!