Some time back, someone asked me about the enemy’s retaliation during praying in tongues and how to respond when it happens.
Today, I want to discuss how the enemy attempts to frustrate our plans to pray in tongues and how we can handle such situations wisely.
Let us look at this carefully.
Scare tactics
The first thing you must understand is that the enemy primarily uses fear tactics to attack believers.
He attempts to instill fear in you before he can gain any real influence over you. If he cannot make you afraid, it becomes difficult for him to control you.
Here is a very interesting concept of fear from the bible. The Book of Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This particular fear is the reverence and honor of God. It opens us up to God’s influence.
In the same way, if someone develops fear toward the devil, that fear opens the door for the enemy’s influence.
How distractions begin
When you set time aside to pray in tongues, your focus is on the Holy Spirit. You are drawing near to Jesus Christ, and the enemy understands this, so he attempts to redirect your focus.
This may happen through sudden interruptions like phone calls or knocks at the door. At times, you may experience physical discomfort, unexplained sensations, or even sudden fear.
Sometimes, environmental disturbances like a power blackout may occur at the very moment you close your eyes to pray. Whether subtle or intense, the goal remains the same: to shift your attention away from God.
When you become afraid, your focus shifts from pursuing God to trying to find out what the enemy is planning or what certain signs might mean.
As you dig deeper into those questions, fear increases. And as fear increases, your attention shifts more and more toward the enemy.
At that point, even though you may think you are fighting evil, the devil has already succeeded. That is the trap!
Now, there are two main ways of overcoming the enemy’s distractions, which I am going to explain.
1. Do not give the enemy a foothold
The book of Ephesians 4:27 tells us not to give the enemy a foothold.
Focusing on the enemy instead of God gives him a foothold that creates room for further oppression.
When you are praying in tongues, remain on course. If distractions come, refuse to shift your attention. Continue praying and worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ.
Often, the enemy will attempt to distract you two or three times, and if he sees you are unmoved, he will withdraw.
This is similar to what happened when the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness in Matthew chapter 4. When Jesus did not fall for the temptations, the devil left Him.
2.Resisting the enemy
There are times when the enemy may be relentlessly scaring you into giving up praying and seeking God altogether. This is when you deploy a higher level of resistance.
James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Notice it says resist, not fight. There is a difference.
If you begin fighting the enemy, your attention shifts toward him. Jesus demonstrated this in Matthew 16:23 when He said, “Get behind Me, Satan!”
To resist means recognizing the source of the attack, rebuking it, declaring that it will not affect you, and then immediately returning your focus to the Holy Spirit.
The enemy thrives in darkness and fear. When you expose him and refuse fear, his power weakens.
Attacks before and after prayer
Sometimes attacks come before you begin praying in order to stop you. Other times, they come after you finish praying, attempting to distract you from what God wants to deposit in your heart.
After prayer, God may want to give you instructions, peace, clarity, or blessings, but the enemy may try to interrupt this process by shifting your focus elsewhere.
Summary
Always remember that your true battle is to keep your attention on Jesus Christ.
If the Holy Spirit instructs you to engage in spiritual warfare, He will guide you on how to do so. Otherwise, simply resist and remain focused.
I hope this has been helpful. God bless you!
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