There is a phenomenon that happens after claiming a huge victory. You can fall lower than where you were before the victory. I’m sure you’ve experienced this.

When you, as a child, went to Bible camp. You had a great time with all your friends. No parents on your case. Lots of interesting activities to keep you busy. Even some good learning taking place in the Bible classes. But, most of all, hearing convicting messages by an entertaining and inspirational speaker who knew how to relate to kids. You renew your commitment to God and vow to never go back to the way things were. You are on top of the mountain.

Then, you go home. The people at home haven’t experienced the same things you did. They don’t get as excited about your stories as you thought they should. You dump your clothes on the floor of your room, not out of rebellion, but that’s just the way you do things and that didn’t change at camp. Your mother comes into your room and starts harping about what a messy kid you are, didn’t you learn anything at camp? I hope you weren’t this messy at camp…etc., etc.

Your bubble is burst. You figure what”s the use of even trying? So, you slide back to where you were and maybe even a little lower, because people don’t seem to care.

But, fast forward quite a few years. You are an adult. You should know better, right? You’re ready for this! You don’t depend on others for your happiness. You don’t let them determine how you are going to act.

You go on a mission trip to some third world country. You helped feed poor street children. You present programs for people who really appreciate what you are doing. You see the children’s eyes light up when they see the gifts handed to them from Samaritan’s Purse. You enjoy the comaraderie of the rest of the team. You have no other responsibilities except to keep up with the team moving from place to place. You feel God’s presence. You feel the power available through the Holy Spirit. You know you are in the center of God’s will.

Then, you go home. Immediately, there are family issues that must be taken care of. They don’t even stop to ask you how your trip went. Then, there are problems at work because of your absence for two weeks. The boss wants a project done now. You don’t even have time to assess the trip and internalize the things you experienced and learned. You throw everything out the window that you experienced the last two weeks.

The Bible has much to say about this phenomenon. Peter tells the people in exile and are facing persecution, “Be alert; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Paul tells the people in Ephesus, “Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

The devil hates it when we have a victory, especially if that victory brings us closer to God and defeats his ugly schemes. Therefore, he prowls around looking for people who are not on their guard, who let their defenses down because they obtained a victory. He will attack with vengeance to bring people down, to bring systems down, anything to promote his evil empire.

We just had a huge election in the US, but the battle is not over. Satan will push his agenda harder and harder. We, as Christians, must be ready to stand firm and fight back. We do this through the power of the Holy Spirit, by knowing our Scripture well enough to fight back, by standing firm in our prayers for all saints in all circumstances, and by protecting ourselves with the shield of faith knowing that God is fighting for us. Finally, do this with all perseverance – keep it up, never give up. Victory is our call to action.