When Satan Knocks You Down: The Strategy He Hopes You’ll Never Use

Satan’s attacks aim to destroy, but God turns even defeats into growth, purpose, and ultimate victory through His grace and power.

Have you ever wondered why some Christians become bitter, angry, or cynical after hardship? We’ve all met them. People whose faith has turned into a shield of judgment rather than a wellspring of grace. I don’t think it’s because they started out that way. Often, it’s because they’ve been through battles that Satan used to damage their spirit. And yes—sometimes, Satan wins a round.

When God allows trials, His goal is transformation. James 1:2–4 tells us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials, because they produce perseverance, maturity, and completeness. But when Satan attacks, his aim is destruction: to erode our character, stir up bitterness, and push us toward spiritual retreat.

The danger is, we often misread what’s happening. Is this God’s timing, designed for growth? Or is this Satan’s timing, aimed for devastation? It’s not always obvious in the moment. Satan knows exactly when we’re most vulnerable—and he doesn’t fight fair.

I remember my mother telling me, back when I was walking away from everything Jesus-related, “God’s trials come when you’re strong enough to endure them. Hang in there, and your victory will bring Him glory.” She would even quote Scripture about how no temptation is too great to overcome. I, in my stubborn youth, would roll my eyes, walk out, and sing a sarcastic little tune, “Holy, holy, holy, only my mom is holy…” under my breath. I didn’t realize then that her words echoed deep biblical truth.

The Bible overflows with stories proving that God uses hard seasons for His glory. Joseph’s imprisonment positioned him to save entire nations. David’s years in the wilderness prepared him to be king. But Satan, too, has a strategy—he strikes when we’re least able to stand, hoping to inflict maximum damage on God’s kingdom.

Here’s the difference: when God tests us, His grace strengthens us. When Satan attacks, grace feels distant. Prayer becomes hard. Scripture feels silent. The spiritual tools we normally rely on seem to vanish. But even then—especially then—God is not absent. Even Satan’s “victories” are temporary and can be woven into God’s greater purposes.

Look at Peter. His denial of Christ could have disqualified him forever, but instead, it positioned him to restore others who fail. David’s disastrous decision to take a census became the backdrop for the temple’s future location. Job’s agony gave us one of the greatest testimonies of enduring faith. Even Judas’ betrayal became part of the greatest rescue mission in history.

Satan can win battles. But he cannot win the war.

I’ve learned this in ministry, too. When our GOtandem ministry ended, I grieved deeply. It felt like the enemy had shut a door on something good. But looking back, I see that God was preparing the way for something greater. Sometimes, God allows something to die so that something better can live. Sometimes, your loss becomes the seedbed for someone else’s breakthrough.

So how do we fight back when Satan has knocked us down? Here’s the strategy I am continuing to use:

1. Acknowledge the Loss. Don’t pretend it didn’t happen. Denial delays healing. Admitting defeat is the first step toward recovery.

2. Grieve What’s Gone. Jesus Himself wept at Lazarus’s tomb, even though He knew resurrection was moments away. Grief doesn’t signal a lack of faith—it’s part of being human.

3. Look for God’s Greater Purpose. Ask Him, “What are You preparing me for through this?” Sometimes a setback is simply a setup for a bigger move of His power.

4. Refuse to Stay Down. Resilience is not avoiding loss—it’s getting back up after it. David failed more than once, yet Scripture still calls him a man after God’s own heart.

5. Trust the Ultimate Victory. Colossians 2:15 reminds us that Christ already triumphed over every power of darkness. Your present defeat is not your final chapter.

Satan may have won a battle in your life. Maybe he’s even won more than one. But the cross has already guaranteed the outcome of the war. And if you’re breathing, God’s not finished writing your story.

So get up. Dust yourself off. Hold fast to the One who turns defeats into testimonies, pain into purpose, and scars into stories of His glory.

Because in Christ, the enemy’s greatest triumphs are never the end—they're only the beginning of your next victory.

-Arnie