Face Satan’s Darts with God’s Truth

Too many church leaders walk around discouraged because they’ve forgotten who the real enemy is. 

They think it’s a political party, the media, or some other group. 

But that’s wrong.

The Bible is very clear about who the real enemy is. “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” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV).

Satan is real. The Bible tells us to be alert for his schemes. “Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

Satan wants to devour you and your ministry. But will you let him?

Recognizing the Battle

Recognizing that Satan is your real enemy changes everything about how you fight the battle. When you understand that your battle isn’t against people, politics, or cultural movements, but against a cunning, unseen adversary, you realize you can’t face this fight on your own. 

I don’t care who you are. I don’t care how big your church is. I don’t care how many books you’ve published. You are no match for Satan. 

Trying to take on Satan on your own is like trying to shoot a rubber band at a battleship. It’ll have no impact whatsoever. He isn’t scared of you, and you can’t hurt him.

But God can. While you are no match for Satan, Satan is no match for God. 

Stopping Satan’s Fiery Darts

Satan doesn’t fight fair. He can’t physically punch you. Instead, he puts ideas into your mind. Those are “the fiery darts of the wicked one” in Ephesians 6:16 (NKJV). 

Since you’re a pastor, he’s particularly aiming them at you. Consider the subtle lies that he likes to send the way of pastors.

• You’re not good enough.
• Your church will never grow.
• You’ll never overcome this struggle.
• You shouldn’t have to wait for what God wants to do. 

Satan designs those fiery darts to erode your confidence in God’s calling and plan for your ministry. 

Picking Up the Shield of Faith

Of course, God has given you a full set of armor to empower you to deal with Satan, including the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of readiness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:13-17). You probably have taught your congregation about that armor. 

But, pastor, you need to be wearing that armor, too. When the Evil One is sending darts your way, it’s critical you put on the shield of faith. The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). 

Satan is fighting a war in your mind. So that’s where you need to fight him, with God’s help. It’s time you trust what the Word of God tells you about yourself and about God. You have to doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs.

When Satan tells you that you’re not good enough . . . 

You say, “Christ gives me the strength to face anything” (Philippians 4:13 CEV).

When Satan tells you your church will never grow . . .

You say, “I will build my church, and death itself will not have any power over it” (Matthew 16:18 CEV).

When Satan says you’ll never overcome the struggle you’re facing . . .

You say, “In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us” (Romans 8:37 CEV).

When Satan says you shouldn’t have to wait for the good God wants to give you . . .

You say, “The strength of those who wait with hope in the LORD will be renewed” (Isaiah 40:31 GW).

Believe what God says about you and your ministry, not what Satan does. Pastor, stay firm in your calling, knowing that Jesus has already won the battle. You’re not fighting for victory, but from victory.