Is the Devil a Real Threat?
It’s that time of year again. The cold weather is setting in. Shopping centers are turning up Christmas music. And, chances are, you’re sick. Or if you aren’t sick yet, you will be soon. You may need to take a sick day (or several sick days). But don’t go into your sick day unaware: the devil doesn’t take sick days.
The devil’s goal, along with his minions, is to deceive and destroy us (John 8:44; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8). And the ambushes and attacks we face from the devil are relentless and merciless. The devil doesn’t show compassion and give us a break when we’re sick. In fact, our sick days may be times when we’re most vulnerable to his attacks.
Understanding How the Devil Attacks
When you’re sick, it’s likely that being spiritually vigilant is one of the last things on your mind. After all, you’ll probably feel mentally tired, physically uncomfortable, and emotionally depleted. Your attention may be consumed by nausea, muscle aches, or chills. But it can be helpful to prepare for those sick days, before they come, so that you’ll understand some of the common temptations you’re likely to face when you’re spiritually vulnerable.
Self-Pity. When you’re sick, you’ll be tempted to fixate on yourself and your misery. This posture of self-obsession does injustice to God, who is the rightful center of the universe, and will make us vulnerable to other temptations.
Ingratitude. When you’re sick (and self-pitying) the devil may tempt you to believe that you aren’t getting the care and sympathy you deserve. You’ll likely overlook the good gifts God has been granting you, past and present. And this ingratitude toward God is a grievous evil (Romans 1:21).
Bitterness. A self-pitying heart may also be tempted toward bitterness. You may critically assume that your caregiver is being negligent, without humbly and empathetically considering the other burdens your caregiver may be carrying that day. You may even charge God with wrongdoing for permitting your sickness. We do wrong to assume the worst and to hold bitterness in our hearts.
Denial. From time to time, the devil may tempt you to try to deny or downplay your sickness (and your consequent mortality). The devil may do this, either by making you think you can’t rest because your work is too indispensable OR by making you think you can’t rest because you must maintain an image of invincibility.
Anxiety. Sometimes sickness leads to serious complications or death. It’s no wonder, then, that the devil would be successful in tempting many people toward anxiety. You may be anxious for your own welfare, or you may worry about passing a dangerous illness to others you know and love. Though a healthy level of caution and awareness is helpful, we can quickly be mastered by the devil’s manipulation. Both denial of our human limitations and anxious self-reliance are fueled by sinful pride (1 Peter 5:5-7).
Escape. The devil may also tempt you to seek escape from reality. The reality of our sickness is, indeed, difficult, so it makes sense why we would want to escape it (for example, by distracting ourselves with amusements). The problem is that sickness doesn’t define our reality, especially for Christians. Our mission should never be to escape from reality, but to embrace the fullness of reality more deeply.
How to Spiritually Profit from Your Sick Days
Rather than letting your sick day be the devil’s play day, then, consider how you might use your sick days to profit spiritually. Though you may not feel well enough to open and read the Bible, you could consider listening to an Audio Bible App, or could invite a family member to read it to you. If your sickness feels like suffering, consider the suffering of Christ. Consider how he endured the cross from a heart that anticipated with confidence the fulfillment of God’s promises (Hebrews 12:1-2). And set your mind on the realness of God’s Word with the same confidence (Colossians 3:1-4). Don’t despair, but remember that your afflictions are momentary and that God’s glory is eternal (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). In the midst of your pain and anxiety, call out to God for strength and find peace for your soul in his sovereign mercy (Philippians 4:6-7). Don’t underestimate how greatly your sickbed can contribute to your spiritual health.
You may have sick days. But the devil won’t. Be prepared for the temptations and excuses he uses to stifle your faith, and resist him until he flees from you (James 4:7). And when you feel exhausted and inadequate to stand firm in the days of your sickness, don’t feel like it all depends on you. Because you have a Father in heaven who doesn’t take sick days either. He will strengthen you and help you, and uphold you with his righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Are you prepared for your next sick day? I hope you are now.
