Standing Strong in Faith During Spiritual Attacks

By Camille Mc Millan Rambharat

During the 1990 coup attempt in Trinidad and Tobago, then-Prime Minister ANR Robinson gave the resolute command to the protective services about his captors: “Attack with full force!” Those words have echoed in my mind as I reflect on 2024—a year when someone I held accountable for their vile and inappropriate behavior became defensive. Instead of taking responsibility, they chose to retaliate with demonic messages, lies, and vile verbal assaults through social media, etc, even employing enablers to flip the narrative and make themselves look like the victim.

In the midst of this storm, it was my faith that became my refuge. I cried out to the Lord, Jesus Christ, imploring Him to “attack with full force” against the evil forces aligned against me. As I waited in faith, I was reminded of Psalm 35:1, which says, “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.” I stood firm in the promise that my enemies would be delivered into the hands of justice by the ultimate Judge.

Like the dramatic rescue of hostages during the coup, when the captors were brought to arrest and public shame, I know in my heart that my captors—the agents of darkness who sought to destroy me—would also face shame and defeat through the power of my Lord and Saviour.

The Power of Faith and Community

I am deeply grateful to my small circle of family and friends who supported me with wisdom, encouragement, and prayers. They reminded me of the truth in 1 John 4:4: “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Their steadfast prayers and presence were a lifeline during my darkest days.

This season of long-suffering brought me closer to my faith—just when I thought I couldn’t get any closer. I sought guidance from our family priest, whose encouragement and countless prayers helped sustain me; he was part therapist as well. The process of standing firm in faith reminded me of James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Wrestling with Spiritual Warfare

It’s easy to show up in church every Sunday, to label ourselves “good Christians” or “good people,” and to try to live a “good life.” Some might even say we should love our enemies (I still struggle with this one, but I’ll write about that another time). Often, we don’t expect evil to come near our dwelling, believing our faith alone will shield us. Psalm 91:10 promises, “No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.”

Yet when the attacks came—like a wrecking ball, as sung by Miley Cyrus—I realised no amount of Catholic school, church attendance, Bible studies had prepared me for the depths of spiritual warfare I was facing.

I wasn’t simply dealing with human malice; I was facing the enemy—the Devil and its agents. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Victory Through Christ

Through the pain and trials, I was reminded to stand firm in God’s promises. Isaiah 54:17 became my battle cry: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” I kept the faith, believing that justice would prevail and the Lord would vindicate me in His time.

My experience has been a reminder of the power of faith, prayer, and community during the darkest of days. It reaffirmed my identity as a child of God and His unwavering protection over those who trust in Him. Just as the Lord brought the hostages to safety in 1990, He continues to rescue and vindicate His children in the face of all spiritual attacks.

To anyone facing spiritual warfare: hold on. Exodus 14:14 promises, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

And as I look ahead, I’m also reminded of Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done.” Whatever the enemy meant for evil, God has turned it into a testimony of His faithfulness and love.

Merry Christmas and a victorious 2025 and beyond!