Signs of a Spiritual Attack in Marriage: What You Need to Know

Every marriage is a miracle relationship of sorts, where men and women come together with their vast differences and unique strengths. However, sometimes external forces might try to interfere with this sacred bond. In this article, we will explore four key signs that indicate a potential spiritual attack on a marriage, as shared by experienced pastors and individuals who have faced such challenges.

When Tempers Flare

One of the primary indicators of a spiritual attack is when tempers begin to flare over the tiniest of things. This heightened emotional state goes beyond normal disagreements and can be an alarming sign that something far more profound is at play.

It's important to remember that “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the flesh but with God's power for the destruction of fortresses” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, NIV).

So when tempers flare, it's essential to prioritize patience and understanding, knowing that God is with you both. This could be a sign that the enemy, who is invisible to the human eye, is seeking to disrupt your union.

Weak Prayer Life

Prayer is the lifeline that sustains a marriage in times of trouble. When the enemy can get us off our knees and cut off our only source of help and hope, they are effectively weakening the marriage. When couples refuse to pray individually and together, the devil can gain a foothold. Prayer is not optional, especially during times when it seems the most difficult.

The Bible warns us that "‘In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’" (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV). A weakening of a couple's prayer life could be a sign of spiritual conflict.

Self-Focused Behavior

Couples in a strong marriage are focused on serving each other, not on dividing tasks or highlighting personal shortcomings. When one or both partners begin to care only for themselves, they start to serve their mate less and less. This can lead to self-centered behavior and a breakdown in the mutual support that is essential for marital health. The enemy might be trying to ensure that each mate focuses on taking care of "number one" first, rather than caring for their partner.

Remember, marriage is not a 50/50 proposition. It is an unlimited serving of one another, and not keeping track of who did or didn't do what. Keeping score and resenting your partner can weaken the marriage and open the door for the enemy's influence.

Nitpicking

Another key sign of a spiritual attack is when married couples start to become irritated by the little things their partner does. This can lead to a cycle of resentment and unwarranted criticism. When we start to focus on the minor flaws and mistakes of our partner, we are not remembering how much we've been forgiven ourselves. Keeping score and feeling shortchanged can give the devil a foothold in our marriage.

Marriage is about serving one another, not about finding fault. Remember the words of the Proverb: “Fools make fun of justice, but those who understand delight in reliability.” (Proverbs 14:9, NIV). Focusing on each other's strengths and supporting each other through the challenges strengthens the bond and keeps the spiritual attack at bay.

Conclusion: A Strong Marriage in the Face of Spiritual Warfare

Most Christians realize that there is a spiritual battle taking place in their lives. Even though the enemy cannot ultimately bring us down, he can still sling spiritual fiery darts at us. This is because "‘We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places’" (Ephesians 6:12, NIV).

A strong marriage needs a threefold cord with God being the third cord that holds it all together. Couples in a war, a spiritual war, must stay vigilant and united. They need to pray together, serve together, and study the Word together to stay united as one.

Remember, your marriage is a sacred bond that God has woven together. It's a partnership built on love, understanding, and mutual support. Keep pray, stay united, and stand strong in the face of the spiritual attacks. As Pastor Jack Wellman says, 'May God richly bless you'.