If you are under spiritual attack, the first thing you want to know is how to identify it. Many believers search for a list—five signs, seven indicators, ten symptoms—but lists will never be exhaustive. The enemy attacks from many angles and in many forms. Instead of depending solely on a list, the believer’s true discernment comes from understanding the Word of God and comparing the manifestations in your life with what God has spoken.
The question is simple: Is what you are seeing in your life aligned with the Word of God, or is it out of line? Anything out of alignment is often a sign of spiritual attack.
1. Why Alignment With God’s Word Matters
From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His will for His people. When we walk in obedience, we experience His blessing, protection, and covering. When we walk in disobedience, rebellion, or compromise, we open doors to the enemy.
This principle is clear in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 7:12–15, God promised Israel perfect health, protection, and blessing—if they obeyed His commandments. But when Israel turned to idolatry, witchcraft, and rebellion, sickness and destruction followed. These were not random events; they were consequences of being out of alignment with God.
2. A Biblical Example: Balaam, Balak, and the Open Door
Numbers 23–25 gives a clear example of spiritual warfare and open doors. Balak, king of Moab, feared Israel and hired Balaam to curse them. Despite popular belief, Balaam was not a witch doctor or sorcerer—he was a Gentile prophet who loved money more than righteousness (2 Peter 2:15).
When Balaam attempted to curse Israel, God stopped him. Why? Because, as Balaam declared, “I have not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor seen perverseness in Israel.” There was no open door. No legal ground for the enemy to attack.
But in Numbers 25, Israel sinned. They were enticed into idolatry and sexual immorality. Suddenly, destruction came. A plague broke out. Judgment fell. It was later revealed in Revelation 2:14 that Balaam himself taught Balak how to make Israel fall—by getting them to break covenant with God.
The lesson: The enemy attacks where there is an open door.
3. Common Areas the Enemy Attacks
The devil comes “to steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). So when you look at your life, ask yourself: what is being stolen, what is being killed, and what is being destroyed?
• Your Health
God’s desire is for His people to walk in health (3 John 1:2). When sickness becomes persistent or recurring, it is often a sign of spiritual attack—especially when it disrupts your purpose, ministry, or ability to obey God.
• Your Finances
God promises provision, blessing, and sufficiency. Chronic lack, constant financial warfare, or repeated losses can indicate an attack meant to hinder your assignment or rob your peace.
• Your Marriage and Relationships
Division, strife, confusion, and threats of divorce are never God’s will (Malachi 2:16). The enemy aims to destroy covenant relationships because he knows unity carries power.
• Your Family and Fruitfulness
Barrenness, miscarriage, repeated family upheavals, and cycles of destruction often reveal targeted spiritual warfare.
4. How to Discern the Signs of a Spiritual Attack
Instead of waiting for a list, ask:
- Is this situation aligned with God’s Word?
- Does this reflect life, peace, blessing, and fruitfulness?
- Or does it reflect stealing, killing, and destroying?
Spiritual attacks always aim to disrupt God’s plan for your life. They target health, finances, fruitfulness, unity, purpose, and identity.
Conclusion: Examine the Areas Under Attack
The signs of a spiritual attack become clear when you compare your life to the Word of God. Anything out of alignment—anything that steals, kills, or destroys—is a sign that the enemy is at work.
But you were not created to live defeated. You were created to walk in victory, authority, and freedom in Christ.
Take inventory. Close the doors. Stand in the authority Jesus gave you.
See also Why Spiritual Warfare Matters for Every Christian