7 Subtle Ways the Enemy Derails God’s Plan for Your Life (and How to Fight Back)
If you’ve ever felt stuck, anxious, or far from the person God created you to be, this post is for you.
We imagine the enemy’s attack to be loud, obvious — dramatic even. When really it’s quiet. Subtle. Seductive. Disguised as comfort, culture, or “just one more time.”
That’s how it was for me.
Before I built a life rooted in faith — before I became a devoted wife, a present mama, and a woman who desires to walk closely with God — I was caught in a cycle that almost cost me everything.
Let’s break down 7 subtle ways the enemy derails your life — and how to claim it back.
1. Distraction Dressed as “Normal Life”
The enemy loves to keep you busy — scrolling, comparing, chasing. Not with inherently bad things, but with just enough noise to drown out God’s voice.
For me, it was endless busyness… masked as ambition. I was chasing and achieving success, external validation, and the next big opportunity — but I was starving spiritually. I was connected to the world but disconnected from myself and God.
How to fight back:
Get still. Even just 5 minutes a day of silence with God shifts everything. The peace you’re craving isn’t found in hustle — it’s in Him.
2. Addiction That Starts as a “Coping Mechanism”
My subtle distraction turned into something darker: drinking to numb the anxiety. It became a rhythm I relied on, even justified. “It’s just a glass of wine” turned into self-sabotage and an entire bottle.
The truth? The enemy doesn’t need to destroy you — just distract you long enough for you to destroy yourself.
At my lowest point, I almost lost the man I love — the very partner God sent to open my heart to something greater. And I knew… I couldn’t live like that anymore. I’ve been sober a little over three years now, and grateful for my chance at redemption every day.
How to fight back:
Tell the truth. Out loud. To God. To someone safe. Your healing begins the moment you admit what’s holding you hostage.
3. Doubt Disguised as Logic
“You’re not qualified.”
“You’re too far gone.”
“You missed your moment.”
The enemy’s voice is repetitive, logical, and loud. He uses your past to define your potential and tries to keep you stuck in shame. He almost convinced me I could never be a faith-led woman, wife, or mother because of my history.
But God had other plans.
How to fight back:
Start declaring what God says about you instead. Speak it until you believe it. Faith isn’t a feeling — it’s a weapon.
4. Comparison Disguised as Inspiration
Social media made me feel like I was always behind. Behind on healing, behind on motherhood, and behind on success. I realized — I wasn’t just comparing lives. I was questioning my worth.
This is how the enemy derails destiny: he gets you looking sideways instead of upward.
Now? I’ve finally beaten the anxiety of “keeping up with the earthly Joneses.” I feel at peace in who I am — not because of what I’ve done, but because of who I belong to.
How to fight back:
Limit your scroll time. Guard your eyes and your heart. Celebrate others without comparing yourself. Your path is holy ground.
5. Comfort That Kills Growth
The enemy convinces you that comfort is the goal, but comfort isn’t the same as peace. In fact, comfort can become a trap that keeps you from transformation.
When I stopped numbing and started healing, it was wildly uncomfortable. Despite that, it led to the deepest peace I’ve ever known — a peace rooted in God, not performance.
How to fight back:
Ask yourself: Is this choice keeping me safe or allowing me to walk closer with God? Think being heavenly minded, while earthly good.
6. Isolation Disguised as Independence
I used to think I had to figure everything out on my own. Asking for help felt weak. But isolation is one of the enemy’s favorite tactics.
God uses community to heal. The enemy uses separation to deceive.
When I finally opened up to my partner, to God, and later to a spiritual community, everything changed.
How to fight back:
Stop white-knuckling your healing. Find people who will pray with you, speak truth over you, and remind you who you are when you forget.
7. Delay Disguised as “Not Ready Yet”
The enemy will whisper, “Not yet,” until your whole life passes by.
What I’ve realized is, you don’t need to be perfect to say yes to God. I sure wasn’t. I was still raw, still recovering, still rebuilding.
When I surrendered and said “yes,” God met me there — and built something even more beautiful than I imagined.
Now, my partner sees me walking in the light he once only dreamed I’d step into. I feel more like myself than ever before — the version of me that was buried under fear, shame, and addiction.
How to fight back:
Say yes before you feel ready. God doesn’t call the qualified — He qualifies the called.
Final Thoughts: The Devil works in details and so does God.
The enemy is subtle, but so is God — in the quiet nudge, in the gentle conviction, in the peace that surpasses all understanding.
The question is: which voice will you follow?
I pray this post reminds you that it’s never too late to get back on track with your faith, your purpose, your peace. You are not too far gone. You are just one honest moment away from your comeback.
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With all my love and reverance,
Lauren 🤍
Perfect timing. I'll have to read this again just to keep me on track.
Gorgeous, humble, and powerful. Thank you for leading with your faith so aptly and deeply. God bless you, Lauren.