Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities… – 2 Corinthians 12:10, King James Version (KJV)

My friend Mike recently became an ordained minister.  Within days, the joy of this milestone was overcome by fear and struggle.  With no warning, Mike began suffering from high blood pressure and chest pains, causing his doctor to put him on bedrest. A couple of weeks later, a simple chiropractic adjustment chased the chest pains away, and his blood pressure returned to normal levels.  But, less than a week after feeling better, Mike was blessed with abdominal pains and a diagnosis of diverticulitis. Then, to add insult to injury, the family dog, a mere eight years old, was a picture of health one day and dead the next.  The question on Mike’s lips the last time we spoke was, “What’s next?”

Mike very astutely recognized the troubles following his ordination as spiritual attacks. Freshly descended from his spiritual mountaintop, Mike was bombarded by the Enemy, and each time we descend from our spiritual mountaintops, we will be, too. Christ Himself experienced this pattern in Mark 9. After descending from the Mount of Transfiguration, Christ’s feet no sooner hit level ground than those in need began to bombard Him with requests for help. (See Mark 9:15-19).  Christ’s retort to the crowd clearly expressed His weariness with the unbelieving people:

And He answered them, O unbelieving generation [without any faith]! How long shall I [have to do] with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me. – Mark 9:19, AMP.

Whether spiritual attacks affect your health, your possessions, your relationships, or your dedication to the very mission God has given you, the attacks will often come speedily and relentlessly on the heels of spiritual triumph. When they come, recognize them for what they are, and don’t fret them. Glory in them, as Paul did. Why? Because when Satan attacks you, you’ll have opportunity to snuggle up to your Savior as He gives you more grace!

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