The Enemy’s Tactics that Keep You Stuck—and How to Break Free
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Change is hard—but staying stuck is harder. To live the life you’re called to, you must rise above the lies and traps keeping you stagnant. These lies, orchestrated by the enemy, have one purpose: to stop you from stepping into the fullness of God’s promises for your life.
The enemy uses six main tactics to keep you from growing: Distract, Deny, Destroy, Division, Doubt, and Despair. Each tactic plays on your fears, weaknesses, and insecurities, pulling you further from your purpose. But here’s the good news: every tactic has a counter, and God has equipped you with the tools to overcome them.
1. Distract: The Time Thief
Distraction is subtle yet devastating. Social media, endless scrolling, and mindless entertainment eat away at your time, pulling you from your goals and leaving you feeling drained. The enemy loves distraction because it keeps you busy but unproductive.
The Way Out:
Set Boundaries: Limit your time on social media to 30 minutes a day. Use app blockers to help you stay disciplined.
Focus on Your Goals: Write down what truly matters to you and schedule time for it daily. Your purpose needs your attention more than the fleeting allure of online distractions.
Choose Presence: Put your phone away during prayer, family time, and work. Every moment you spend focused on God and your purpose is a moment the enemy can’t steal.
2. Deny: Avoiding the Truth
Denial whispers, "It’s not that bad," or "You’re fine just the way you are." It convinces you to stay comfortable, masking the growth you desperately need as unnecessary. This keeps you blind to what God is calling you to change.
The Way Out:
Face Reality: Ask God to reveal areas in your life where you’re settling. Journal honestly about your struggles and desires.
Own Your Choices: Stop blaming others or circumstances. You have the power to choose differently.
Pray for Courage: Change requires bravery. Ask God to help you step into the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
3. Destroy: Attacking Your Worth
The enemy will try to destroy your sense of worth by filling your mind with lies about your inadequacy, failures, and past mistakes. These lies keep you small, afraid, and unwilling to take risks.
The Way Out:
Speak Truth Over Lies: When feelings of unworthiness creep in, declare God’s promises: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Write affirmations based on Scripture and repeat them daily.
Celebrate Progress: Reflect on how far God has brought you instead of dwelling on how far you still need to go.
Surround Yourself with Encouragement: Spend time with people who uplift and remind you of your God-given potential.
4. Division: Isolation is Dangerous
Division isolates you from community, creating a sense of loneliness that weakens your faith and confidence. The enemy uses division to keep you from receiving support and encouragement from others.
The Way Out:
Stay Connected: Join a Bible study, mentorship group, or accountability partnership. Let others speak life into you.
Guard Against Offense: Division often starts with small offenses. Forgive quickly and choose unity over conflict.
Build Godly Community: Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Surround yourself with those who will help you grow in your walk with Christ.
5. Doubt: The Confidence Crusher
Doubt sows uncertainty in your heart, making you question your abilities, your dreams, and even God’s faithfulness. It keeps you hesitating, second-guessing every decision, and paralyzed in fear.
The Way Out:
Strengthen Your Faith: Reflect on past victories God has given you. Write them down as a reminder of His faithfulness.
Take Action Anyway: Confidence grows through action. Even when doubt lingers, take the next step in faith.
Pray for Wisdom: When in doubt, seek God’s guidance. He will direct your steps and give you peace.
6. Despair: The Weapon of Hopelessness
Despair convinces you that there’s no way out, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and defeated. It’s one of the enemy’s most powerful weapons because it can lead to complete stagnation.
The Way Out:
Cling to Hope: Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Hold onto God’s promises, no matter how dark it seems.
Celebrate Small Wins: Focus on daily progress rather than the enormity of your goals. Every small step forward is proof that despair is a liar.
Lean on God: Trust that He is working behind the scenes, even when you can’t see it. Surrender your burdens to Him in prayer.
The Victory is Yours
Each of these six tactics is designed to keep you stuck, but God has given you the tools to break free. Through discipline, faith, and action, you can rise above the lies and step into the abundant life He has planned for you.
Your future self is depending on you to fight this battle today. Don’t let the enemy rob you of your calling. Choose growth over comfort, truth over lies, and faith over fear.
You were created for more. Start living like it.
Luna x