Jehovah's Witnesses only: Question regarding Satan's attacks?

Yes, Satan absolutely does not want you serving Jehovah. And he will try his sneaky tactics. I am proud of you for picking up on that. But beware because sometimes his tactics aren't as obvious and you could find yourself easily snared if you don't keep an eye out.

One good example is RIGHT HERE on the internet. Just because someone is a witness or associated with the witnesses does not automatically make them good association. If you start a back and forth relationship with someone on here, it could lead to you revealing personal issues (which is not a bad thing) but then the other person could do the same and before you know it you have this intimate personal relationship with someone and you may feel too comfortable with that person and then it could lead to other things if you aren't careful.

That is why I always try to make sure I let people know that I am married (i.e. not interested)! You can let your coworkers know that you are one of Jehovah's Witnesses and MOST of them know what that means. For those that don't, tell them FLAT OUT that you don't date women not a JW and tell them thank you but you're not interested. But you also have to let your actions show you are serious too. Don't spend time around them that is not necessary. I know you have to work together but if you are on your lunch break and your coworkers want to go out to eat, don't do it. The same goes for men. Men could be a bad influence on you at work too. Not in the same way a woman could but you know what I mean. Also, during work try to keep personal conversations to a minimum. And if you are a chatty person like me, talk about your beliefs. You don't have to shove it in their faces but never let your conversations become unwholesome and if you see a conversation headed that way, leave if you can or let them know that you don't like to talk about that kind of stuff anymore.

Sometimes at work, I won't have a choice but to be caught in the middle of an inappropriate conversation but I just ignore it and sing Kingdom Melodies in my head. And I don't smile or laugh at anything crude that may be said. Because that is as good as condoning it.

Anyway, Reo, just keep praying. I wish I had learned early on how STRONG the power of prayer is. That is our PERSONAL LINK to Jehovah. I think of it like a cell phone. I can call Jehovah ANY time of the day or night. And I know that if I am doing right Jehovah will hear me. Sometimes I really feel unworthy and I find it hard to believe that Jehovah would be listening to a little peon like me but I know he is and I have to CONSTANTLY remind myself of that.

I will tell you that you are right. You know that Satan knows your weakness, and he will use it against you. Being aware of it is a big part of the battle. For you, the physical closeness is the weakness, for me, it was the emotional closeness. Before I met my husband, I was single for nine years, after a divorce. I was lllooonely....lemme tell you. I saw the same thing-Satan would throw completely nice, handsome, wealthy, UNacceptable from a spiritual standpoint, men at me. I finally took a job at night, doing accounting, where I would come into contact with very few human beings, male or female. I kept up my meetings, and with a night job, that was tough. I even had a sister from my hall personally attack my character, which had to be handled judicially. (I was not her only victim, but Jehovah handled it for me!). Satan knew I longed for a husband. Jehovah knew, too, because I made it a matter of constant prayer. Finally, a man began coming to our hall, totally NOT my 'type', and he was perfect. Jehovah knew better than I did.

Reo, He'll give you happiness. I don't know if you are scripturally free or not, so I can't say you'll 'get the girl'. But however Jehovah sees fit to use you, you will be happy if you DECIDE to be. Be content with NOW, and let THEN take care of itself. Just stay strong, and determined. Let Jehovah know what is in your heart. Pray all the time. It's hard to think of commiting fornication when you are praying! Don't underestimate the power of good association. Keep close to the congregation, and your temptation will be much easier. Maybe you will find a single brother who can room with you? Companionship and good association. Just a thought.

Agape, little brother-Leslie

I still get the attacks. I pray a lot and have a few brothers who are my accountability partners. When I am going through one of these attacks I let them know and they also pray for me and encourage me with Scripture and appropriate words. I also do the same for them.

Perhaps there are a few men at the Hall whom you can talk to about maybe doing something like this? If nothing else, you can always contact me and I will pray.

Thank you for being so open and honest.

I am a Christian. Ask God to change your desires and to keep you from temptation. Ask Him for this everyday. Several times per day. Remember that Jesus understands what temptation feels like. He went through it himself. We all know the Lord's Prayer. When questioned how we should pray Jesus made a point of telling us that we should ask not to be led into temptation. Jesus also told Peter right before He was betrayed "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Matt 26:41)

I will also say a prayer for you. Good luck. :-)

Say Jehovah's name out loud. This does work,I know from my on

experience.My husband also wanted to divorce me. Burn everything

that has to do with Jehovah. Well I got through that thanks to Jehovah.

I still have moments with my husband. He doesn't see Satan is using

him badly. Keep praying and stay STRONG. That's one thing Satan

doesn't want for us to do, be Strong.

Take Care

Talk to them about what you are learning from the Bible. . . Ask what they believe in, but always turn the conversation back to what the Bible teaches. . . If they seem genuinely interested in the Bible, suggest introducing them to a J.W. sister to teach them more . . .

Another tactic you might use would be to invite her to the K.H.

And, don't make any attempt to sit with her. . . .I did that with a guy once, & he came a few times, but after the 1st 1/2 of each meeting, he got up & left . . .

He was still interested in me though, so I just told him I was only interested in being personally involved with persons of my chosen faith. He left me alone after that, & so did a few others that I told that to.

When I was newly studying, but had already decided to become a J.W. (a teen), we had my bf sit in with us on a few of my personal Bible studies (he happened to come while they were in progress). He read every other paragraph, & I answered the review questions. After one of those sessions, I told him of my decision, & he said: "I could never do that!", got up, & walked out . . . It absolutely broke my heart! But, he actually did me a huge favor, by taking the initiative!

. . . The truth protects us, but not if we keep it 'hidden under a bushel basket'!

This won't *always* work, as there are those who pretend to be interested, to 'get what they want'. So, I recommend to avoid all who get interested in the truth only after having met (or, known of) & shown personal interest in you, before the truth itself. Protect your spiritual interests!

There are also those who *want* to get involved with a moral person, who *look* for serious, religious types, as they see them as more trustable than others . . .

The more interest you show in your Bible studies --& that this is reflected in *all* your conversations-- the less such women are likely to want to be around you. . .

"How Can I Avoid Getting Involved With the Wrong People?"

- What Kind of Friends Are Good?

- Friendships Among Fellow Christians

- Friendship With the Opposite Sex

http://watchtower.org/e/20050822/article_01.htm

The principles in this^ article apply to all ages.)

"Benefit From the Best Education Available!"

http://watchtower.org/e/20051015/article_01.htm

Dear Reo,

My first big attack, like your friend, came about a month before my baptism.

Before this, Satan had tried more subtle things like occasional family or friend opposition, a job offer from out of nowhere, etc. and through prayer and help from Jehovah I was able to see that these were tests and I made it through them.

My husband, who previously didn't really care whether I was a witness or not, just all of a sudden decided he hated me and wanted a divorce.(This was brought on by me not wanting to attend his family's Thanksgiving get together which I had explained to him a couple of months in advance that I wouldn't be going).

This was the hardest for me to overcome. I fervently prayed to Jehovah for help and he did! In the most wonderful way I could imagine! He gave me the right things to say, control of temper, my very good friend (who was my Bible teacher) for encouragement. Thinking back, I am still amazed how Jehovah was able to get me through it all. My husband decided he wasn't going to leave me and 2 weeks later I was baptized.

Even today, we still have problems from time to time. He accuses me of things he knows I don't do. Mostly just to hurt me. But, I know it's because he doesn't understand.

Things similar to this could happen to you, too. But take courage! Fully rely on Jehovah and He will help you. Make it a constant point of prayer. If I can do it, I have every confidence that you can, too!

Agape,

Susan

i have had attacks from the devil before being saved and even after a baptism....

this is what you can do, which is taught at my church, and has worked for me.

1. confess your sins and repent to God. And tell God that you accept his forgiveness and his gift of grace. (no longer condemn yourself of these sins....or its not accepting God's gift.)

2. tell the devil that any authority that you gave him intentionally by sinning or unintentionally is revoked. you no longer give him any authority in your life. (this is breaking bondage's to sin)

3. say, i take the enemy and his schemes to the captivity and obedience of Christ. To go where Jesus sends you, never to return.

4. everyday read outloud Eph 6:14-18, putting on the armor of God

other passages that can help to be read outloud: Matthew 6:11, Luke 22:40 (deliverance from temptation), Luke 10:5, and John 16:13 for God's peace and truth to fill your home.

most of all, read your bible everyday, dont leave the places with your self spiritually empty, which invites evil back into your life.

and Believe! Jesus gave us authority over satan. the devil doesnt want us to believe or know it....because then he loses power.

God bless

this is one of the ways to rebuke satan. and when ever you think he is getting in your way do this again.

The daily text a few days ago was talking about Satan and how we have to identify the traps of "the bird catcher" I found the scripture to be of real comfort.

[Jehovah] himself will deliver you from the trap of the birdcatcher.—Ps. 91:3.

All true Christians face a predator, one with superhuman intelligence and craftiness. He is referred to as “the birdcatcher” This formidable foe cunningly endeavors to mislead and trap Jehovah’s people as a birdcatcher tries to trap a bird. A birdcatcher in Bible times devised cunning methods to trap birds. In likening Satan to a birdcatcher, the Bible helps us understand his methods. The Devil studies us as individuals. He notes our habits and characteristics and sets hidden traps in an attempt to catch us alive.

Being caught by him would mean our spiritual ruin and could lead to our ultimate destruction. Hence, for our protection, we need to identify various schemes of “the birdcatcher.”

...Since loosing my husband 11 months ago, i have become spiritually weak and i can see clearly that Satan has given me no rest.

Something that has helped me is to pour my heart out to Jehovah (often in tears) and ask him to help me to endure.

Also keeping regular with meeting attendance and study really helps.

As soon as i have missed a few meetings or havn't kept up with study, i start to go down hill.

I too live alone and it can be very lonely and Satan takes advantage.

Make good friends in the truth and they too will help you. Tell the elders how you are feeling and tell them to keep an eye on you or help you.

When a girl makes an advance, be clear and firm that you are not interested. Say a little prayer in your head to Jehovah for help.

Sad to say, Satan will not stop trying with all his faithful servants but just think of the reward awaiting you in the future.

We are so very close to the end and it's not worth missing out on everlasting life, just for a moment of pleasure.

Take care, Reo.

Warm christian love.

Bless your heart. Maybe you could try what other men use. Their free will? You say it is easy to bring a woman home? It would be easy for me to steal. I don't and would never do that. Try excercising some self control. The fruit of the Spirit is self control. Stop allowing satan so much credit. Everytime you give credit to satan for something you can control sure give him a lot of power and a lot of behavior can be excused with the old..Devil made me do it. You have the substance and I hope morality in you to resist a woman, if you do not maybe you need counseling of some sort.