Handling Pornographic Attacks: The Big Surprise

By Paul J. Bucknell

Part 1: The Big Surprise | Part 2: Examine, Resist, and Pray | Part 3: Accountability and Purity

Jesus has led us to a great victory over the battles of the flesh and the temptations of the world. This section helps believers recognize and know how to properly handle the subtle and powerful pornographic attacks that sometimes come upon God’s people.

As a man, I write to men. I have not perceived the struggle to be the same among women, although more women are experiencing issues with porn. Nor is this message meant for those who regularly grapple with pornographic thoughts. Some parts may be helpful to them, but it is not specifically intended for them.

“And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor 6:11).

This message is for those who have mostly come clean from pornography and other sexual sins. Maybe they were ensnared at one point in their lives; maybe they weren't, but now they share a common experience of strong, irregular pornographic attacks.

God has done great things in freeing me from pornography since my youth. I have battled this devious enemy, and though scarred, I have overcome by God’s grace and truth. I believe that if I had a mentor, I could have overcome the battle much sooner because I would have shared the secrets of my heart’s darkness and benefited from the prayer and wisdom of others.

In a real sense, we face this battle every day. I do not deny the tension or how quickly one can be drawn in by its ugly claws. Every day is a fight—some much worse than others. A multitude of decisions must be made instantly at times so I am not, like others, entangled in Satan’s devious plot.

A new soldier adapts easily on the battlefield. The experienced soldier has learned through tough battles of endurance. What might confuse the untrained will usually have little or no effect on the seasoned soldier. The countless decisions needed to stay true often remain unnoticed. The battles are indeed ongoing but are often won subconsciously. No significant extra effort is required, except in more extreme situations. Faith to defeat the mighty giant is present. However, something happened that greatly surprised me.

The Big Surprise

Out of nowhere, a wave of vile, seductive thoughts tempted me to give in. I was taken aback because it had been quite some time since such attacks had come against me. I have no doubt that these volleys are not unique to me, and so I share how God’s grace proved enough for such times.

“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9).

Before I continue, I want to be clear that I have not given the evil one any opportunity to attack. In other words, I haven't looked at any pornography recently. I haven't watched any television or movies for quite some time. By God’s good and wonderful grace, I have been protected by a wave of good, consistent choices and a shield of protection surrounding me. The images that appeared in my mind did not come from recent sins. The wall of grace remains secure. And praise God, it stayed secure throughout this intense battle.¹

Normally dressed women suddenly appeared in my mind, transformed into perverted and horribly pornographic images. I will not be more explicit to protect everyone's sensibilities. Even simple words or thoughts in normal conversation were hijacked and twisted into terrible scenes. Sometimes, I was working as usual. Other times, I was talking with my family about ordinary, good things. These images kept leaping into my mind throughout the day. The assault was intense, and I was very aware of it.

I want to share how God guided me through this battle. Satan is real and does tempt. I urge you, my brother, to join me in the fight to stay pure. We should share our experiences to strengthen our faith and avoid being caught off guard. Why fight alone when other soldiers can stand with us?

Shocked and Surprised

I was caught off guard by the attack because it had been so long since I’d faced such vile thoughts and was appalled by the ghastly images. It had been a long time since such filth had invaded my mind. I realize now how much the Lord has been protecting me more than I had ever understood before.

It was just a few months ago that I shared a past experience with a group. Satan repeatedly tried to induce me to have adulterous thoughts by sending images and feelings of nude women in bed beside me. I quickly leaped out of bed when I noticed their presence. My wife can testify to this. Satan can project feelings, words, and images onto the screens of our minds. I tend to think very graphically, so perhaps he uses different methods to trap different individuals. Let me start by sharing how God led me to overcome these onslaughts of attack.

1. After further thought, I believe this attack could be connected to the series of articles I recently wrote on “Understanding the Dark World.”

Continue to Part 2: Examine, Resist, and Pray »

Part 1: The Big Surprise | Part 2: Examine, Resist, and Pray | Part 3: Accountability and Purity