Shortly after I wrote about how the Lord has cared for and protected my pet ducks since I stopped complaining about them, and continually give thanks for them, my duck, Libby, became very ill. At first, it didn’t occur to me that Libby’s sudden illness was a spiritual attack. But after days of prayer and seeking God, I realized that it was no coincidence that, right after I gave my testimony about my pets, one of them was stricken. I began using my authority in Christ to bind all satanic activity against Libby, and from then on, her health began to steadily improve. In more than 19 years of raising ducks, I have never seen one so close to death recover so quickly and completely.

One of the verses that the Lord gave me during Libby’s illness was Isaiah 54:15 (NIV). “If anyone does attack you, it will not be My doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you.” It was this precious promise that reassured me that God was not behind Libby’s illness, and that it was an attack from the forces of darkness against one of my pets in retaliation for giving my testimony of God’s goodness. This promise also confirmed that Satan and his evil cohorts would have to “surrender” to me when I exercised my authority in Christ.

The Message Bible translation of this verse says, “If anyone attacks you, don’t for a moment suppose that I sent them, and if any should attack, nothing will come of it.” (Isaiah 54:15 MSG) Because God is sovereign, it’s too easy for us to think that when trouble comes our way, God is responsible, because He is allowing it. Satan would like nothing better than for us to have this mindset, because then he can wreak havoc in our lives unhindered.

When we are under attack in any way, it’s always a good idea to get alone with God, and to pray for His perspective in the matter. We can ask Him questions, and pray for confirmation and clarification, so that we can know what – or who – is behind the attack. We may find out that the dark forces are retaliating for a testimony we gave, or that we somehow opened a door and made ourselves vulnerable to demonic activity because of some sinful behavior. Even if our trouble is our own fault, we can confess our sin, receive God’s forgiveness, and ask for His saving help.

Jesus said, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19 NKJV) Let’s make the most of our authority in Christ so that “if any should attack, nothing will come of it!”

Prayer: Lord, when my loved ones or I are under attack, reassure me that it is not Your doing. Give me Your perspective in the matter, and reveal to me what is behind each assault on me and mine. Teach me how to exercise my authority in Christ so that whoever attacks me will surrender to me. Thank You that as I turn to You for revelation and assistance, my victory and success are guaranteed!