Sometimes spiritual opposition reaches peak levels. Here’s the key to overcoming it

4 min read

No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed.

Isaiah 54:17

Dealing with spiritual pressure from one direction is one thing, but when you get attacked from another direction, then it becomes a different game. Being double-teamed like this takes you to your limits, because facing the enemy on two fronts at one time is simply brutal.

Like my friend, Mike. Not only is Mike struggling with his normal temptations and vulnerabilities in the area of his sexuality, the enemy is also hitting him hard in some of his closest relationships.

Mike is maxed out. One of those things he can manage, but both at the same time and on the same day? It’s too much.

Doubly Difficult

There is a story from the life of David that illustrates the best way to respond when the enemy is double-teaming you.

David was cruising along and doing great until one day circumstances blew up in front of him. Out of nowhere, a confrontation with an otherwise friendly neighbor arose. Realizing that David and his army were a force to be reckoned with, and feeling threatened, the neighbor joined forces with another neighbor so they could double-team him.

Suddenly it was the Arameans and the Ammonites versus David’s Israel. Either of these were a formidable foe by themselves, but together? What a challenge.

But David’s military general at the time, Joab, had the perfect response. He kept them from getting overwhelmed that day. His double-strength counter attack was one part tactical and the other part mindset.

1. Tactically, Joab called in for backup. Joab wasn’t foolish enough to think he could win the battle on his own. He asked a brother for help, literally. Joab said to his brother, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me…And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will help you.” (1 Chronicles 19:12). In other words, the answer to being double-teamed is to double-team right back! When the enemy is ganging up and attacking from different angles, that’s a good time to ask for help. In Mike’s case, he reached out to two friends that he knew he could count on to pray for him and hold him accountable. As it played out, those supportive allies made all the difference in Mike’s situation. When the enemy is ganging up and attacking from different angles, that’s a good time to ask for help.
2. Mentally, Joab stayed positive. Joab knew that attitude always determines altitude, so this is how he framed the situation, loud enough so that all the warriors could hear:

“Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the LORD’S will be done.”

1 Chronicles 19:13

With these few words Joab called out the warrior within himself and in the men around him. Rather than panicking at the double-team situation they faced, Joab invoked the LORD’S name, acknowledged the LORD’S will, and fired up the troops with this inspiring battle cry. He reminded them they weren’t just fighting for themselves…other people were counting on them to fight the good fight.

And fight well they did. With God’s favor, Joab and company gloriously turned back the adversaries that day.

When the enemy is ganging up and attacking from different angles, that’s a good time to ask for help.

How about you, are you facing double-strength spiritual pressure today? Feel like you’re losing? If so, do what Joab did: (1) Call in for backup, and (2) Stay positive.

So what if you’re double-teamed? Two can play that game.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.