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The Unseen Battle: How Satan Tries to Sift You

Writer's picture: Living MindfullyLiving Mindfully

In our daily lives, many of us encounter challenges that test our faith. But what if these challenges were part of a deeper, more significant spiritual battle? The Bible tells us that “Satan tries to sift you,” suggesting that our struggles serve a purpose beyond the surface. This phrase compares to the process of sifting wheat, where unwanted elements are separated from the fruitful. Similarly, Satan aims to disrupt our spiritual journey and sow seeds of doubt in our hearts.


This blog post will delve into the reality of this unseen battle, the tactics Satan employs to sift us, and the practical steps we can take to safeguard our faith.


Understanding the Sifting Process


Sifting is akin to refining. When wheat is sifted, it is shaken to eliminate impurities. This process has critical implications for our spiritual lives.


When we face challenges, it often brings our deepest fears and doubts to the forefront. For instance, maybe you struggle with feelings of unworthiness or anxiety about your future. Satan loves to exploit these vulnerabilities. Through situations like job loss or relationship challenges, he seeks to amplify our insecurities and pull us away from God.


The word for sift in Hebrew is Siniazo. In biblehub.com the Thayer's Greek Lexicon section says that Siniazo can be described as "inward agitation to try one's faith to the verge of overthrow." Can anyone relate??


Recognizing the process of sifting and that Satan is trying to sift you out of your calling with God is vital. By understanding that these trials may be designed to test our faith, we can prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead.


Recognizing How Satan Tries to Sift You

Understanding yourself and when sifting is happening is important. I have come to this conclusion. I believe that Satan is constantly trying to sift Christians. Satan's goal is to keep all of us from speaking the word. When he sifts it might be all of a sudden thing. More than likely it takes its appearance slowly. Satan is trying to trick you. That is all he has is trickery. So understanding some signs that he is trying to trick you and sift you out is important. Understanding and knowledge help us respond more effectively. You may be going through a sifting period if you experience:


  1. Intense Distrust: You might suddenly doubt God's promises. God's word brings truth and restoration into our lives. Satan is always trying to lie to us. Make us believe that God's word is a lie.


  2. Increased Temptation: Long-buried habits or temptations may re-emerge, tempting you to stray into old patterns. For instance, someone working on overcoming addiction might find themselves drawn back to previous habits out of stress. When we are sifted we are placed into some uncomfortable situations. When sifted there is a separation occurring. Satan is trying to sift you away from God. But we must remember God takes what Satan meant for bad and uses it for our good. As Satan is trying to sift, God reveals to us what needs to be sifted. Satan tries to separate us from God, God is trying to separate us from the things Satan can use against us. He refines us and makes us stronger in this way.


  3. Feelings of Isolation: You may feel alone, battling through your struggles without support. Just as Satan tries to divide us from God, he tries to keep us isolated from people. Iron sharpens iron. He wants to keep us away from those who can uplift us. People who could speak the truth to us. We are all one body and we all need each other.


  4. Loss of Peace: Persistent unease may indicate you are being sifted. The word says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." That is in John 14:27. That was Jesus talking. Satan wants us to have an overabundance of unease. He does not want us to feel the peace of God. But we can have peace in every situation.


Recognizing these indicators is essential for taking action.


The Role of Faith in Withstanding Attack

Faith is crucial in not allowing the attack of the enemy to sift us away. By putting our roots deep into the truths of God, we build ourselves up strong in him. We prepare ourselves for any dart thrown by the enemy.


Daily Time with God

The word says to be transformed daily by the renewing of your mind. By doing this daily we restructure our habits. Craig Groecshel said, "The life we have is a reflection of the thoughts we think." We think and do what we fill ourselves up with daily. What are you reading and talking about? What are you constantly thinking about?


Praying and reading scripture fills you up with the things of the Lord. It impresses up on our heart the attitude of God. It fortifies your character so that on the day you find yourself being sifted, you recognize what Satan is trying to do. At this point, you know that you do not fight this type of battle on a physical battlefield but on a spiritual one. Praying and reading scripture prepares you.


Building a Community of Support


Engaging with a supportive community of believers can provide encouragement and accountability. Sharing struggles and victories transforms how we navigate problems.


As the body of Christ we are all as one. When we stand united with each other, instead of isolating our selves, we become a force to be reckoned with.


Armor of God: Our Best Defense


Putting on the Armor of God outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18 equips us to resist the Enemy's attacks. Each piece serves a primary purpose in fighting the spiritual war we are all in:


  • Belt of Truth: Being grounded in the truth keeps us from being easily misled.


  • Breastplate of Righteousness: Protecting our hearts from sin's deceit strengthens our resolve.


  • Shield of Faith: This powerful tool helps deflect the doubts aimed at us.


  • Helmet of Salvation: Guarding our thoughts with the assurance of our salvation keeps us secure.


  • Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God is our weapon against Satan's lies. Research indicates that memorizing scripture can significantly improve a believer's confidence in facing temptation.


By actively arming ourselves with these principles, we enhance our spiritual defense.


Importance of Perseverance


Perseverance is vital during our trials. James 1:2-4 reminds us to rejoice in these challenges because they develop endurance. Each time we weather a sifting season, and do not give up but persevere, we grow closer to God and gain a deeper understanding of His faithfulness.


For instance, a group of believers shared their testimonies, revealing that those who persisted through difficult times often found untouched areas of their faith blossoming.


Final Thoughts


Recognizing that "Satan tries to sift you" is essential for believers. It reminds us of the spiritual battles we may not see and the importance of staying alert.


By identifying sifting signs, fortifying our faith through prayer and community, and donning the Armor of God, we can effectively stand against the Enemy’s schemes.


As we navigate this invisible battle, we realize that even during our sifting times, we do not walk alone. Our strength comes from God, who promises to guide us and refine our faith.


The outcome of such challenges often results in a faith that is more resilient and secure. In moments of trial, remember—each challenge faced with courage reflects God's unwavering presence in our lives.



Satan tries to sift you-Luke 22
How Satan Tries to Sift You

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