As believers pray for greater impact, influence and effectiveness in the kingdom of God, they should also expect spiritual resistance to increase—but not fear it.
That was the central message from Kathryn Krick during a recent sermon titled “Overcoming the New Devils in New Levels,” where she encouraged Christians to interpret seasons of opposition through a biblical lens rather than an emotional one.
Opening with the familiar phrase “new levels, new devils,” Krick argued that whenever God elevates His people, the enemy responds with greater hostility—not because Satan is winning, but because God’s kingdom is advancing.
“The devil is never happy whenever God lifts you,” Krick said. “His anger has no power over the victory that God’s bringing.”
Rather than viewing attacks as signs that something has gone wrong, she challenged believers to recognize them as reminders that their obedience is bearing fruit.
To illustrate the point, Krick turned to the life of Joseph in Genesis 37. She noted that Joseph’s prophetic dreams immediately stirred jealousy among his brothers, eventually leading them to sell him into slavery. Yet what appeared to be tragedy ultimately became God’s pathway to Joseph’s placement in Egypt, where he preserved countless lives during a famine.
“What the devil intended for evil, God intended for good,” she said, pointing to Joseph’s testimony as evidence that God can redeem even the darkest seasons for His purposes.
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Krick also warned believers to guard their own hearts when they witness God blessing others. Feelings of jealousy, resentment or frustration over another person’s promotion, she said, should be recognized as temptations that must be rejected rather than entertained.
Throughout the message, she emphasized that Scripture consistently portrays Satan’s primary weapon as deception. Referencing John 8:44, she reminded listeners that the devil is “the father of lies,” while Romans 8 declares that believers are “more than conquerors” through Christ. Victory, she argued, comes
Drawing from her own ministry, Krick reflected on the rapid growth of Fivefold Church beginning in 2021. She acknowledged that increased visibility also brought criticism and false accusations, but said those challenges never reversed what God had established.
Looking back, she testified that every season of opposition ultimately strengthened her confidence in God’s faithfulness.
Near the end of the sermon, Krick identified what she called three primary strategies believers should recognize: intimidation, distraction and emotional exhaustion. Instead of allowing criticism to consume their attention, she urged Christians to remain focused on their calling and continue proclaiming what God is doing.
For those navigating seasons of unexpected resistance, Krick’s message offers a reminder found throughout Scripture: opposition does not necessarily signal defeat. Often, biblical history shows that God’s greatest advances have unfolded amid the fiercest resistance.
The challenge for Christians, she suggested, is not merely enduring spiritual battles, but refusing to let those battles distract them from faithfully fulfilling the assignment God has placed before them.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
