When the Devil Knocks, Send Him to the Pig Field

You ever have one of those days where your thoughts take a turn and you suddenly think, “Whoa… where did that come from?” Yeah, me too.

Temptation doesn’t always show up wearing red horns and carrying a pitchfork. Sometimes it’s dressed in a perfectly reasonable excuse, a harmless little “just this once,” or even a shiny opportunity that looks too good to be true (because… it is). The enemy is sneaky like that — he custom-tailors temptation so it fits just right for you.

But here’s the good news: God gives us a way to spot it, reject it, and send the enemy packing — straight to someone else’s pig field. (More on that in a second, but my cousin told me this and it stuck.)

How to Spot Temptation

Temptation usually has a few giveaways:

1. It goes against God’s Word – If it contradicts Scripture, it’s not from God. Period.

2. It feeds your pride, greed, or selfishness – God’s nudges bring humility, generosity, and love. The devil’s whispers are all about “me, me, me.”

3. It needs to be hidden – If you feel the need to cover it up, it’s probably something you shouldn’t be doing.

4. It brings anxiety or restlessness – God’s ways bring peace; the enemy stirs chaos.

   
   

Why the Pig Field?

In the Bible (Mark 5:1-20), Jesus cast demons out of a man and sent them into a herd of pigs — who immediately bolted into a lake. I like to imagine this whenever temptation comes knocking. Instead of letting the devil hang around in my head, I picture sending him right off to a muddy pig field far, far away from me. It’s my way of saying, “Not today, Satan — go find another address.”

How to Hear God Instead

God’s voice is clear, but we have to tune in. Think of it like finding the right radio station. The signal gets clearer when you:

• Read His Word daily – This is the main way He speaks.

• Pray and listen – Prayer isn’t just talking; it’s also quieting your mind to hear Him.

• Check the fruit – God’s direction always leads to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

How to Rebuke the Devil

You don’t have to be a spiritual heavyweight to do this. You just have to use the authority Jesus gave you. Luke 10:19 says, “I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy.”

When the devil tries to creep in, speak it out loud. There’s power in your words when they’re lined up with God’s truth.

In case you are a little unsure what to say to do this, here is something you can use.

Prayer to Rebuke the Devil and Hear God’s Voice

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the authority You’ve given me over the enemy. Right now, in Your name, I rebuke every lie, temptation, and distraction that is not from You. Satan, I command you to leave my mind, my home, and my life immediately. Go, in the name of Jesus — straight to the pig field where you belong. Holy Spirit, fill me with Your peace, wisdom, and strength. Open my ears to hear Your voice clearly, and guide my heart so that I follow only You. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Friend, temptation is going to knock. That’s life. But the next time it shows up, you don’t have to open the door. Send it packing, tune into God, and keep walking in the direction He’s leading you. The enemy can squeal all he wants in the pig pen — but you’ll be free, clean, and safe in your Father’s arms.

XO, Marie