Smash or Squeeze Tactics in Spiritual Warfare
I sat in the meeting, listening carefully. We had gathered to discuss growing persecution in certain countries around the world. A knowledgeable leader described two tactics governments are using to hinder Christian workers. One is the smash attack. These are overt and violent. The other type is as ominous. It is a slow squeeze. In hundreds of little ways, governments make it difficult for Christians to function in normal daily life.
Pondering this, I prayed for the many suffering increasing persecution around the world. Then, it struck me. Smash and squeeze are the same tactics Satan uses on missionaries too.
Smash attacks shock and scare us. Squeeze attacks exhaust us. We must be aware of Satan’s schemes.
Don’t allow them to cause panic, fear, or exhaustion. As we recognize these things for what they are, God will give us victory over every evil force.
Being Squeezed by Sickness
Sickness has always been part of the enemy’s squeeze attacks in my life. In the places where I have lived around the world, it wasn’t easy to stay healthy.
Even when you are careful about what you eat, exercise regularly, and work at staying healthy, viruses and diseases are common. Do you live and work with local people, ride local transport and eat local food? We must if we want to adapt and identify with those we are reaching. The reality is that you will likely get sick. This can be hard, especially when it happens again and again.
A Sick Little Girl
I remember a trip to the West of Nepal with my daughter Steffi. She was seven or eight years old. We had gone to visit the village home of a young woman who lived with us. The bus trip was long, but we managed okay. If my memory is correct, it was about thirteen or fourteen hours.
We arrived in the village tired, but we were excited to be there. My little girl and I climbed the wooden stairs to the small room we would sleep in. Below us were the goats and other animals.
Steffi had a lot of fun playing with the baby goats, running around in the village, and being a kid. It was fun….until she got sick. Giardia kicked in and she was both vomiting and running for the toilet every hour or so. I was concerned as a mom. We were far away from quality medical care.
The next day, we boarded our bus for the long journey home. It was not a fun trip. I’d brought some changes of clothing, but they were not enough for my sick little girl. We reached home with soiled clothes. My precious daughter was dehydrated and weak. I was scared and emotionally exhausted.
What am I doing as a mom, living in a country like this? I wondered. My husband was concerned as well.
Thankfully, we were able to get her on oral rehydration medicine and an antibiotic. In a few days, she was fine.
I wasn’t sure I was fine though. I knew that to disciple people in this country, we needed to live close to the local people. I wanted to do that. I loved doing that! But I was tired of the constant sicknesses we faced. It was especially hard to watch our kids suffer.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Eph. 6:12 NIV.
How to Overcome the Enemy’s Smash and Squeeze
1. Recognize the spiritual warfare you face.
Simply realizing that what we are going through is more than physical goes a long way. Sickness is one of many types of squeeze attacks. Another example might be a relationship that becomes unusually tense and troubled. This seems to repeatedly surface, just as you are pioneering a new training program. Sound familiar?
Remember, our battle is not against flesh and blood. Stop fighting people and take authority over the principalities and powers that are smashing or squeezing you.
2. Raise prayer when you are under attack.
Never be afraid or ashamed to reach out for prayer when you recognize the enemy is trying to discourage you. Be open and vulnerable with your prayer partners. Let them carry you at this time. There is no advantage to trying to handle it on your own. We need the body of Christ to stand with us.
3. Worship, praise, and thanksgiving bring victory.
When you feel worn down by life on the mission field, take time to worship. Both individual and corporate worship are important to lift our spirits and re-center us on the greatness of God. Intentionally practice thankfulness. Fight the temptation to give into complaining or self-pity.
I’m not saying your circumstances are not hard. They are. You don’t have to pretend it’s not difficult. In spite of that, and with full knowledge that it’s a struggle, lift your voice to God in praise. It sends the enemy running.
4. Contend and don’t give in.
There are times to fight and times to rest. God will help you discern these. When you sense you are in a battle, rise up and contend against the enemy. Don’t give in to Satan’s purposes and lies. As you step forward in faith to take your stand, God will fight for you.
5. Actively look for a community.
We are far more vulnerable to the enemy’s attack when we are lonely and isolated. It gives Satan a significant advantage over us.
Be intentional about reaching out to people around you for support and community. Even if you don’t understand the language well, or don’t have a lot in common, press in to have relationships and community with other believers.
Take advantage of the many online communities and ways to connect via social media with other believers as well. My church’s women’s group has a Facebook page. It’s a good place to post prayer requests. Don’t let yourself begin to feel like you are completely alone in your battle. Reach out to others and let them minister love and encouragement to you.
Often, I have been surprised that those who I am leading are very happy to stand with me. Leadership can be an isolating force in our lives if we let it. Be real, be vulnerable and let your new disciples and staff uphold you when you need their prayer.
Take Action
When you next face a spiritual attack, recognize it and take action. Don’t let Satan get the upper hand. Whether it is a smash or squeeze tactic, stand firm. God will give you victory.
In what ways do you notice spiritual warfare and attack coming against you? I’d love to hear your stories or questions on this topic in the comments below or on the Missionary Life Facebook Group.