An Unoriginal Enemy

Cait Winters reflects on spiritual warfare and the powerlessness of the enemy. 

God has been so kind to me. I have overcome a lot in my life and Jesus has held, carried, and sustained me through everything. When things are uncertain, seem hopeless, or cause me pain, I know that He is the only place to go. In the light of faith in Christ Jesus, we believers are granted access to endless help, grace, blessings, and possibilities. This is pleasing to God but enrages the devil and his minions, who are limited in their vengeful quest to seek and destroy.  

When Satan can’t tempt you to sin and disobey the Lord, he slings arrows of misfortune, tragedy, and worry your way in a pithy try to make you fall from grace. These attempts fall flat in the face of the glory and power of God. They are not only futile because of the ransom paid by our Savior on the cross of Calvary, but because the devil cannot create, and in fact was himself created by God. 

Opening an Old Wound 

I experienced a major victory in Christ recently and gave God all the glory! Jesus carried our family through an unimaginable trial, and we emerged on the other side closer and more faithful than before. It created in me an even deeper appreciation for my simple life, humble home, and beloved family. As soon as I was getting on my feet, ancient history was dredged up: history rooted in my past, from a time of emotional, psychological, and physical mistreatment. 

That sad chapter of my story was nearly twenty years ago, and I have spent each year since growing closer to God as He heals my heart, mind, and self-esteem. I used to be defined by my pain and the things that happened to me, but I finally found my identity and worth in Jesus. This reminder of my past came with a label, one that I rightfully rejected long ago.  

I’m not saying it doesn't hurt, that it is easy to face, that I’m not triggered or affected: quite the contrary. It brought back so many bad memories, hard feelings, and traumatizing events. The difference now, however, is that I know where to bring my burdens. My suffering is not in vain because I can use it to pray. I reject the label of the accuser and offer the distress it causes me to Jesus on behalf of myself and others.   

Not long before this old wound was opened, I had begun reading the Psalms daily and highlighting the promises of God. In Psalm 6, titled “Prayer in Distress,” David laments in a penitential manner. Many psalms proclaim the innocence of the psalmist, but this one acknowledges sin and its spiritual and temporal impact, and appeals to God’s mercy to deliver them.  

I am wearied with sighing, all night long I drench my bed with tears; I soak my couch with weeping. My eyes are dimmed with sorrow, worn out because of all my foes. Away from me, all who do evil! The Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will receive my prayer. (Psalm 6:7-10) 

The Enemy Is Unoriginal 

The truth of the enemy is that he is unoriginal. He is unable to create; only The Creator can do that! So often Satan scrapes the bottom of the barrel, slinging up any scum that remains to cause us to stumble. But God, whose grace is boundless and creativity endless, fights our battles for us! It’s important to remember that it is not only with flesh and blood that we engage in spiritual warfare, but powers and principalities as well.  

We need only to fling ourselves upon the Sacred Heart of Jesus and on our Heavenly Father who hears our cries for help and hides us under His wings. Because I know this, I have been able to praise through the tears, pray through the hurt, and sing for the inheritance of the victory that has already been won for me.  

In good times or bad, in desolation or consolation, I know that heavenly armies are defending me. This knowledge gives me the confidence to reject worldly labels, negative self-talk, and lie after lie. Jesus takes the arrows that pierce me and turns them into blessings. When the enemy rears his ugly head, I turn my eyes upon Jesus’ Holy Face to see the truth: that I am a new creation in Christ, being transformed from glory to glory until I can shed the burdens of the world and make it home to Him. 

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Copyright 2025 Cait Winters
Images: Canva