You’re not your sin, your disorder, or your struggle—you’re a child of God called to fight forward, overcome, and be free.

In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, we dive into Rule Eight of St. Ignatius’ discernment framework—perseverance in desolation. But this one hits deeper than you might expect. We talk identity lies, spiritual EMDR, and what it really means to refuse to be ruled by your lower nature. This isn’t just about staying patient in the storm—it’s about realizing you were never meant to identify with it. If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not a morning person” or “That’s just who I am,” this one’s for you. Get ready to fight forward—with clarity, with grit, and with grace.

Resources Mentioned in this series:

Immediate Action Plan

Habitual Sin Course: 

Examination of Conscience

Holy Habits App

Seven Deadly Sins

Hidden Faults

Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits

Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits

Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Timestamp Summary:

00:00 Introduction and Series Overview

00:38 Rule Eight: Perseverance in Desolation

01:09 The Concept of Patience

02:16 Identity and Negative Cognitions

02:52 Personal Stories and Overcoming Challenges

05:51 The Importance of Positive Cognition

12:44 Desolation and Human Nature

16:57 Hospital Experiences and Finding Peace

17:57 A Painful Experience

18:12 Spiritual Conversations in the Ambulance

19:47 Finding Peace Amidst Pain

21:03 A Stressful Drive

22:53 Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance

24:15 The Battle of Life

31:39 Balancing Awareness and Paranoia

34:36 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

5 Key Takeaways from Rule 8: Perseverance in Desolation

1. You are not your disorder, sin, or struggle.

   One of the biggest lies the enemy tells is that your weakness is your identity. But in Christ, your identity is rooted in grace—not your passions, inclinations, or past failures.

2. Patience is not passive—it’s a choice.

   Rule 8 calls us to work to be patient in desolation. That means engaging your will, choosing to fight even when you feel nothing, and refusing to be dragged by your emotions.

3. Negative self-talk can be demonic bait.

   Repeating phrases like “I’m just not a morning person” or “I’ve always been like this” forms psychological and spiritual chains. These “negative cognitions” reinforce falsehoods that give the enemy a handle on your soul.

4. Victory comes through fidelity, not feelings.

   Desolation often feels like failure, but it’s not. By leaning into prayer, penance, and meditation (as taught in Rule 6), you’re choosing God even when He feels absent. That choice is the victory.

5. Spiritual warfare requires readiness, not paranoia.

   Like a cop prepared for a worst-case call, the Catholic must walk into each day ready for battle—not with fear, but with clarity and peace. “Fight forward” by staying vigilant, grounded in truth, and armed with the sacraments.