Spiritual Battle: The Four Lies Satan Uses to Get a Hold on Your Life—Part 1

A tragic loss reveals how Satan uses deception to attack, planting lies that destroy lives. Spiritual warfare is real, and the fight is daily.

The call that shattered everything I thought I knew about spiritual warfare

He was one of those men who had to control everything—including how much we could mentor and disciple him. Always kept us at arm's length, even when we desperately wanted to pour into his life.

My last communication from him was several years ago, delivered with his typical emotional distance:

"Thanks Arnie for the prayers. I know GOD has HUGE future plans for me, you, and BTTB; we just need to trust HIM and be patient."

So, when I got the devastating news on Monday, it felt like a punch to my very soul.

One of our most generous donors—a man who absolutely believed in our Learner-Centered Daily Discipleship technology, whose support had added up to several hundred thousand dollars in recent years—had put a lanyard with all his favorite Scripture verses around his neck, wrapped a towel around his head, placed a gun in his mouth, and ended his life.

The family had no clue it was coming.

This was a broken man who had tried to minister with our personalized technology for years. And not just technology. Jack Burke, one of our most talented ministry advancement people, went way beyond the call of duty and poured his heart into coaching and ministering to him as much as this man would allow.

As I listened to Jack fight back tears, wrought with shock and disbelief, describing this individual's final moments, one truth became crystal clear:

Satan had gotten a hold on his life and destroyed him.

This tragedy forced me to wrestle with the question that every Christ-follower must answer:

How do you know if you are being attacked by Satan? And more importantly, what do you do about it if you are?

The Spiritual Battle You Can't See Is More Real Than the One You Can

Here's what Satan doesn't want you to know: You're already in a war. The moment you gave your life to Christ, you became a target. The apostle Paul didn't mince words: "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).”

In spiritual battle, Satan's primary weapon isn't a pitchfork—it's deception. Scripture calls him "the father of lies" (John 8:44) and warns he "masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). He whispers lies that sound almost true:

• "God has forgotten about you."

• "You're too broken for God to use."

• "No one would miss you if you were gone."

• "This pain will never end."

These aren't random thoughts—they're strategic attacks that Satan uses to try and destroy us, not only in times of crisis but every day. 

I write these words, reminding myself of what Satan tries to do to me as we are desperately navigating the worst financial crisis in the history of Back to the Bible.  I hope these words help you too, as they have reminded me what Satan is up to in my life and yours if we let him.

Next week, we will discuss Five Signs That Satan Has You in His Crosshairs.

If you're struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). You matter more than you know, and help is available.

All in, eyes up

-Arnie