How to Overcome and Defeat the Enemies That Attack You

Introduction

Life is a battlefield, whether we acknowledge it or not. Every step forward in life often invites opposition. 

Sometimes, attacks come when we least expect them, as we see in the story of David in II Samuel 5:17-21 (NKJV). Despite his previous victories, David faced another enemy assault just as he was anointed king over all Israel. The enemies, the Philistines, sought to stop him from fulfilling his God-given destiny. 

This story teaches us key lessons on how to overcome and defeat the enemies that attack us, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual.

1. David Attacked

The first truth is that attacks are inevitable. In II Samuel 5:17, the Philistines heard about David’s promotion and immediately set out to search for him and take his life. They had previously killed Saul and Jonathan, and now, they sought to eliminate David.

This scenario illustrates that every step of progress will attract enemies. The enemy doesn’t wait for an invitation to attack. David didn’t provoke them; they came after him because of his anointing and success. Similarly, Job was attacked by Satan without any wrongdoing (Job 1:8-12).

The moment you experience a breakthrough—whether in your career, health, or finances—the enemy sets out to derail you. But understanding that these attacks will come helps prepare us mentally and spiritually for the battles ahead.

2. David Inquired of God

When David learned of the Philistines’ plans, he didn’t panic. Instead, he did something crucial—he sought God’s direction. 

II Samuel 5:19 shows that David inquired of the Lord, asking, “Shall I go up against the Philistines?” This demonstrates that David didn’t rely on his own wisdom or military expertise, even though he was a seasoned warrior.

This is a powerful reminder to always seek God’s guidance in every battle. Many times, our natural response is to fight in our strength, but Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. God sees the bigger picture and knows the best strategy for victory. 

In David’s case, God assured him of victory, saying, “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand” (II Samuel 5:19).

3. David Won the Battle

David’s victory didn’t just come because he was a great warrior—it was because he obeyed God’s instructions. 

II Samuel 5:20 records how David defeated the Philistines and named the place “Baal Perazim,” meaning “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water.” His success was a result of divine intervention.

Victory over our enemies requires both divine strategy and our action. David had to take the step of faith by going up against the Philistines. 

In the same way, we are called to fight, relying on the spiritual weapons God has given us. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV) says, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” These weapons include prayer, fasting, the Word of God, and faith.

Conclusion

God desires to give us victory over every enemy that attacks us. However, He will not do for us what we must do for ourselves. David received God’s instruction, acted on it, and saw a breakthrough. 

The same applies to us. We must be proactive in seeking God’s direction, taking the necessary steps in faith, and trusting that God will fight on our behalf. As we follow God’s leading, He will teach our hands to war and win every battle.

Just as David named the place of his victory Baal Perazim, may you experience breakthrough after breakthrough in your life. Victory is assured when we trust in God’s strategies and act in faith.