Many times you’re attacked because of your faithfulness, not your unfaithfulness.

It seems like when you’re believing in God's promises for deliverance, then all the sudden you get hit with another debilitating attack. And you’ve gone to the Lord and pressed Him for answers. "What's going on here, Lord? I feel like I'm finally doing what you want me to, and now this happens. I don't get it." Read Psalm 44. He and his people have been faithful to the Lord, yet they are being attacked, defeated, and disgraced at every turn. By the time he gets to the end of the psalm, it dawns on him that he is suffering specifically BECAUSE he is committed to the Lord. He writes: "Yet for YOUR SAKE we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." (Psalm 44:22) In other words, the suffering was not divine discipline, but a battle scar as a result of his devotion and commitment to the Lord.

" For Christ you must be ready to face death at every moment of the day--you are like a sheep awaiting slaughter; but despite all of that, overwhelming victory is yours through Christ who loved you enough to die for you." (Romans 8:36-37)

When you make the decision to live for God, you must be prepared to suffer because of that decision. "For you have been given the privilege not only of trusting Him but also of suffering for Him." (Philippians 1:29-30) Take Scripture like this to heart, the next time your face suffering; you won’t automatically think that you've done something wrong. But the truth is that, as a believer, suffering can be a sign of loyalty. "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps." (1 Peter 2:21) Peter knew from personal experience that doing good often led to suffering. And he reminds you that Jesus Himself suffered greatly in many ways because of His obedience, and you are to follow His example.

As Scripture says: "You are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

Much of your suffering will come from the devil's attempts to tempt, accuse, and deceive you, so you must be on guard at all times. "Be careful--watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too." (1 Peter 5:8-9) So consider the fact that many times you’re being attacked because of your faithfulness, not your unfaithfulness.