Your biggest mistakes often occur in the early stage of a trial because it catches you off guard. Surprise is one of the devil’s favourite weapons, so here are four winning strategies you can use when you’re under attack:

1) Don’t panic. Live by the Scripture, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10 KJV). That means God is present, fully aware of your situation, and has a solution. Just be sensitive and responsive to the voice of His Spirit within you (see John 16:13). Remember, time is on your side. Patience is a weapon that forces truth and motives to the surface.

2) Analyse it. Solomon said, ‘In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider’ (Ecclesiastes 7:14 KJV). Sometimes what looks like a crisis is just concentrated information. And when you take time to analyse it, you benefit from it.

3) Seek advice. ‘Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances’ (Proverbs 11:14 MSG). Ignorance is your enemy and instruction is your friend. Somebody somewhere knows something you need to know; something that can help you survive and even succeed during this painful chapter in your life. Reach for them.

4) Expect God to move. ‘When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.’ Adversity is often the Enemy’s reaction to your progress. Rejoice; your heavenly Father’s eyes are on you today. He is pleased with you, and He is going to bring you through this victoriously.