I know you are familiar with the term ‘fiery darts’. That is, if you have read my book, my blog, or Ephesians 6:16, NKJV:, “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” (on which my book is based)
To be successfully in quenching these fiery darts, we need to be more than familiar with them. We must be able to recognize the source of the attacks. We must be able to recognize the why of the attacks. We must be able to recognize the method of the attack. And finally, we must be able to counter the attacks.
Negative thinking aptly describes aspects of fiery darts. And the enemy’s skill in inserting negative thoughts into our struggles should not be ignored. After all, Satan is the father of all lies. A helpful question to ask ourselves is, “From where did that thought originate?” If it contradicts Bible truths, we can be assured it didn’t come from God. The enemy is the source. (But keep in mind, we must be a learning student of God’s word to recognize the contradictions.)
Why are we being targeted, should be a following question. Will succumbing to the negative thought weaken our faith? Will it distract us from seeking truth from God’s word? Will it put distance between us and God? Will it not only undermine our relationship with God but others as well? In other words, where will this negative thought take us if we persist in pondering it? pg 53-54 of ebook
What is the method used by the enemy? Has he cleverly disguised a lie to appear to be true to confuse us? Has he coerced us to take a verse out of context to distort the truth? Is he planting thoughts to bear the fruit of fear, anxiety, discouragement, despair? Is he attempting to create doubts about ourselves or God? Is he stirring up conflict? Has he increased a temptation that creates pressure to sin?
Once we discern the source, the why, and the method of Satan’s fiery darts, we need to come up with a counter attack. We do this choosing a Truth thought from Scripture that will extinguish the lies and deceptions and the manipulations of the enemy.
Allow me to give an example. Let’s say you are plagued by fear. There are many verses within the pages of the Bible to successfully combat fear. So here’s the drill:
When the fiery dart of fear intrudes your thoughts, first call on the verse Isaiah 54:17 and personalize it, “May this weapon formed against me not prevail.” Follow that up with of 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given me the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
I recommend that every time that fearful thought (fiery dart) attempts entry into your mind quote these two verses to yourself. As often as is needed. Eventually, Satan will relent. But he will return. However, next time you will be stronger. You will increase in strength with every attack you encounter.
Tip: whatever negative thought you may be wrestling with go to your computer and type in the words, “verse about fear or doubt, or unforgiveness, or anger, etc.” Choose a Truth thought that speaks directly to your need. That’s your counter attack. (But be cautious. Check out the context of the verse to make sure it directly applies. A verse out of context is a weapon of the enemy)
