The spiritual realm is not just an invisible backdrop—it is a very real battlefield. We’re not just navigating the physical world; we’re constantly engaging in unseen warfare. The Bible makes this clear: “The thief does not come, except to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 MEV).
Jesus came to give us victory and abundant life, but that doesn’t mean the enemy stops attacking. He looks for open doors. He seeks legal rights, access points, and spiritual cracks in our foundation to enter. If we are unaware or passive, we can unknowingly allow him in. It is possible to shut these doors—but it requires intentionality, purity, and relentless pursuit of intimacy with God.
Why Do Spiritual Attacks Happen?
Spiritual attacks often increase when you’re on the brink of breakthrough. They can come through emotional triggers, open sin, relational tension, or simply because you’re advancing the Kingdom of God. Jesus won the victory on the cross, but you must enforce that victory in your life daily.
Jesus warned us about unclean spirits returning. If we don’t fill our lives with His presence, deliverance may be temporary.
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it goes through dry places seeking rest. Finding none, it says, ‘I will return to my house, from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds it swept and furnished. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24–26 MEV).
We must not only be cleansed—we must stay filled. These four core areas are where many believers unknowingly leave spiritual doors open.
- Intensified Personal Trials: Run to God, Not Away
Paul described his thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan sent to torment him. Yet he didn’t give in to self-pity—he pressed into God. “Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh…” (2 Corinthians 12:7 MEV).
Trials are not always a sign that you’re doing something wrong. Sometimes, they’re a sign that you’re a threat to the enemy. But during testing, we must be careful not to open doors through bitterness, offense, or doubt. Resist the urge to isolate. Worship. Fast. Press in.
- Being Deceived: Protect Your Ear and Eye Gates
False teachings and demonic doctrines are more accessible now than ever before. Scripture warns us: “Now the Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith and pay attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1 MEV).
We must be cautious about what we consume—podcasts, videos, books, social media. Does it edify your spirit? Or does it leave you unsettled, fearful, confused, or doubtful? Ask the Holy Spirit to sharpen your discernment.
- Lies of the Enemy: Destroy Strongholds in the Mind
Most battles begin in your thoughts. What you agree with, you empower. If the enemy can get you to agree with a lie, he gains a stronghold. Scripture commands us to take every thought captive:
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5 MEV).
Behind every stronghold is a lie, and behind that lie is a fear. Discover the lie, replace it with God’s truth, and fear will lose its power. This is a daily process, not a one-time fix. Consider writing out declarations based on Scripture and speaking them aloud.
If you’re ready to break these strongholds, check out my book “Unshackled” at the Kathy DeGraw Ministries shop to purchase it along with anointing oil that you can apply while praying deliverance over your mind.
- Sinful Activities: Obedience Shuts Doors
“Do not give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27 NKJV). This verse is simple, yet profound. Any place in our lives where we are not surrendered to Christ becomes a legal right for the enemy.
This includes hidden sins, patterns of rebellion, poor stewardship of the body, and disobedience to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it’s not even blatant sin—but delayed obedience. If God has told you to do something and you’ve hesitated, repent and obey.
Don’t forget that passivity is also an open door. Get spiritually aggressive. The enemy takes advantage of complacency.
Are You Guarding Your Doors?
Ask yourself:
- Have I truly surrendered every area of my life to the Lord?
- What am I allowing through my eye and ear gates?
- Are there any lies I have believed about myself, God, or others?
- Is there any area where I am practicing disobedience—spiritually, emotionally, or physically?
Prayer Declarations
Heavenly Father, I renounce every agreement I’ve made with lies, sin, and fear.
I shut the door to the enemy and open the door to Your truth, Your Spirit, and Your Word.
I declare no weapon formed against me shall prosper. I take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
I apply the blood of Jesus over my home, mind, emotions, and body. I walk in Your authority and choose obedience.
I am filled with Your Spirit. The enemy has no legal right to my life, and every open door is closed by the authority of Jesus.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Watch This Teaching
To go deeper, watch this YouTube teaching: How to Close Demonic Doorways | Kathy DeGraw. You’ll learn to identify entry points and walk in true spiritual authority.
Break Free and Stay Free
Don’t just get free—stay free. Apply anointing oil as a prophetic act to seal the doors and protect your household. You can order Kathy’s anointing oil on Amazon.
Jesus has given us the keys to the Kingdom—let’s use them to shut every door to the enemy and live victoriously.
