Text: Luke 8:27-39, Matthew 9:32-34, Luke 11:14, Mark 7:24-30, Luke 4:31-37, Matthew 17:14-21
In the preface to his famous satirical novel, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis writes this of demons:
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”
When venturing into the territory of demons and demonic possession, it’s tempting either to write them off as ancient misdiagnoses of mental illness, or to become overly fascinated with them, attributing more power to demons than they have. Either mistake is easy to make because many of us don’t have much experience with them.
And yet, the New Testament world seems to have been filled with demons. There was the demon-possessed man in Luke 8, whose demon went by the name of “Legion.” And there was the demon-possessed man in Luke 11, who was finally able to speak once Jesus cast the demon out of him. There was the Canaanite woman’s daughter filled with an unclean spirit (see Mark 7 and Matthew 15), whom Jesus was able to heal from afar. And there was the boy suffering from demonic seizures in Matthew 17, who was healed by Jesus after the disciples were unable to do so.
The list goes on from there, depicting a world quite different from the one we live in now.
Or was it?
The truth is, our world is no less spiritual today than it was 2,000 years ago. Some cultures are simply less accustomed to recognizing the darkness and the various forms it takes. But “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 4:16). The warfare is real and we’re called to engage it. The stories of Jesus’ power over darkness prepare us for this battle by showing us two truths.
First, Jesus has authority over the darkness. In addition to rescuing us from darkness and teaching us how to resist it, Jesus is the King of kings, and there is nothing on this planet or in this cosmos that escapes His royal jurisdiction. As theologian N.T. Wright put it, “[Jesus] isn’t just somebody with good ideas. He isn’t just somebody who will tell us how to establish a better relationship with God. He is somebody with authority over everything that the physical world on the one hand, and the non-physical world on the other, can throw at us. This is a Jesus we can trust with every aspect of our lives.”
Second, Jesus exercises His authority with His words. Since the beginning of creation, when God spoke the world into existence, His words have had enormous power. We witness this same power when Jesus banishes each demon with a simple command. New Testament scholar Leon Morris explains, “No magic formulae, no mumbo-jumbo. He just told the spirits to go, and they went. That was what astonished people. He didn’t have to summon up stronger powers than his own; he just used the authority he already possessed in himself.”
Jesus’ power is a comfort to those of us in Christ. We have access to the same power and the same authority (Luke 10:19; Matthew 16:19). In Jesus’ name, we can rebuke the powers of darkness. We should acknowledge these powers exist, but we need not fear them or become preoccupied with them. Instead, let us wield our words with the same intention and precision as Jesus: creating, inspiring, building up, and fending off the darkness.
Sharon Hodde Miller is a writer, speaker, pastor’s wife, and mom of two boys. She is a regular contributor to Christianity Today and recently completed her Ph.D, which focused on cultivating the gifts of women in the church.
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78 thoughts on "Christ Overcomes Evil"
I loved what the commentary said about jesus… that hes not just a really smart guy that can show us how to be closer to God- he is the authority over all here in the physical and spiritual realm. He is the king of kings! That’s something exciting to think about. He heals the demons of depression , alcoholism and so much more if you allow him to. The portion of ephesians 6:12 speaks to todays times we are in. And can you imagine seeing Jesus drive our demons and the pigs running and drowning themselves. He is so so good to us.
Hello First of all let me tell you how helpful and such a blessing has been to me reading everyday your devotionals. I just wanted to point out a MISTAKE * where you wrote”our struggle ….. Ephesians 4:16″ the correct one is Ephesians 6:12″
Lord, I thank You for the power of Your words. You spoke this world into creation and Your Son banished the darkness by simply saying “Get out!” Help me to use my words to draw others to Your great light.
I believe so fully in spiritual warfare from seeing it first hand in my mother’s depression. She battled her depression for over 10 years. It will be four years in May, that she passed away from a death by suicide. I truly believe her story is an example to spiritual warfare. She was a larger-than-life warrior for the Kingdom and I believe the Devil looked to destroy her. Even though, she is gone.. I know the devil did not win. Her legacy lives on and so does her soul. He can not touch her. I have a peace about her death only because I was able to see the painful torture her mind was battling. In one of her darkest moments, I held her face and looked into her eyes and did not feel as though I was looking at my mom but as if their was a demon inside torturing her! (Am I wrong for this? Could this be so?) I know MY mother would never hurt us, and so I know at the moments of her contemplating these terminal thoughts and the moment of her passing- it was not her.
https://nickwattssoulfood.com
Our music ministers’ son has a similar story to your mom. Nick has a blog ….. I know it’s so important to have Christian community when facing such hard things. His blog is above. Praying you have a restful joy filled day!
That N.T. Wright quote! So, so good! I just started the study “Armor of God” and Day 1 totally lines up with that quote and today’s SRT reading. Love it!
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
Several years ago after decades in ministry, my husband and I were part of freeing a woman from 4 or 5 demons (first time for us). Here’s what stood out the most: If what I saw and experienced coming out of this woman is what is in store for those who do not know and believe in Jesus – it is horrid! I don’t want anyone to spend eternity that way!!! Jesus is life and peace and goodness and more! Time to remember my calling to share my life and the story with others so that they can know and trust Jesus!
I’m so confused how a person can even become possessed. I read an article that says that after Jesus died on the cross the demons could not have direct contact on earth.
Interesting. I have not heard that. Did the article cite where in the Bible that brought them to that conclusion?
I have read “Spirit of the Rainforest” by Mark Ritchie. Demons are very much a part of the Yanomamo culture. Very influential.
https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Rainforest-Yanomamo-Shamans-Story/dp/0964695235
After thinking about this, I recall a sermon I heard. There is a difference between possession & oppression. Perhaps your article meant demons cannot physically possess people. But they surely can oppress them. If Christians allow demons a stronghold in our lives, they can be very very influential. “Spiritual Warfare” by Dr. Karl I. Payne was a very interesting eye-opening read.
I have fear of this right now, I’m trying so hard not to be afraid! I guess I have never been exposed to things like this happening before. It feels that because I have a fear of it, that it will happen. Any encouragement and advice is so much appreciated.
Megan, be not afraid. The enemy and his demons are certainly real, but we are under the protection of the blood of Jesus. I once heard a wonderful analogy that helps me. The enemy is like a chained barking dog. He assaults us, taunts us, and might even scare us but he’s chained. It’s only dangerous when we go close to that barking dog.
God is the MOST HIGH. Satan is not God’s opposite or God’s equal bad version. He is beneath Jesus. Wayyyyyy beneath. May you be richly blessed today and have no fear. Fix your eyes on Jesus and his power.
A true believer in Jesus Christ has been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to dwell IN them. A demon cannot possess a believer, I don’t think the Holy Spirit can share space with evil like that. BUT, as Liz S said, they can still influence us. Especially if we have unconfessed & unrepented sin. I’m not talking about everyday sin. We all sin everyday with all sorts of stuff. I’m talking about strongholds. Those sins that we are unwilling to give up. Porn, greed, pride, anger, jealousy etc… The sins that we habitually repeat & refuse to change. (Although everyday sins can turn into strongholds if we ignore them) I am not trying to scare you, I am trying to equip you with Truth. After that sermon I heard, I was seriously confused & scared. The book I mentioned in my previous comment was very informative & SO VERY applicable! It doesn’t just tell you the “scary” stuff, it gives truth in how we can fight against Satan with God’s power (actually, we are to flee, renew our minds, & be controlled by the Holy Spirit). Liz S is so right, God is over ALL & has control over all! But we have a responsibility to confess our sins & be cleansed of them (He is faithful & just & will forgive us our sins & purify us!) And pray for protection & wisdom & discernment. I really recommend this book. Ignorance of Satan’s attacks is another tactic of his so that we don’t bother to do anything about it. Educate yourself- have no fear in TRUTH.
https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Warfare-Christians-Demonization-Deliverance/dp/1936488337/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493217967&sr=1-1&keywords=spiritual+warfare+karl+payne
Megan, I used to have the same fears as you. I used to always be scared of Satan and his demons; my mind was so fixated on them. I never told anyone what was going through my mind and the fear I was dealing with. I’ll never forget when God spoke to my mom in a dream one night. I never told her what I was going through, but one day she came up to me and said that God told her to tell me to not be afraid and to stop focusing on demons. I was so relieved to know that God knew what I was going through and cared enough to reassure me through my mom’s dream. He didn’t want me focusing on the darkness because that was taking my mind off Him. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone. Stay in God’s Word and focus on Him. I’ll be praying for you!
Megan – In response to your confusion my thoughts went straight to Eph. 4:16. Sharon’s devotional is a great teaching on realizing that satan is alive and well, but not dwelling on his evil powers; dwell on Christ and His authority over the darkness and the authority of His word! We live in a world that is filled with the direct contact of evil and that can only come from satan and his demons. But if you believe in Jesus and follow Him – you have the same power in you through the Holy Spirit to live in confidence. We know how the story ends!
I really loved what the commentary said about Jesus…that He’s not just a really smart guy that can show us how to be closer to God – He is the authority over all here in the physical realm and in the spiritual realm. He is King of Kings! Now that is exciting to think about.
Oops! I meant that as a response to Sandy who shared a commentary article on Jesus’ interaction with the mom. I was pretty confused by it-but the article helped. Thanks Sandy!
Thank you! I was utterly confused by this whole interaction and really needed more guidance.
I love how this speaks about demons. Usually, I hold back on telling people how I became a Christian because I’m scared of scaring them away. When I was six I confessed with my mouth that I didn’t believe in God. That night I barely saw the demon that was coming towards me. A word came across my mind and I said, “Satan”. I won’t go into detail about everything that happened, but ever since that night I was exposed continuously, yet God was still with me. This made me suicidal for a time-being because I thought I was going to die by their hands and I had pride, so I was wanted to die by own. Yet, I realized that my case is like Job’s case in the beginning; The devil wasn’t allowed to touch him and the only reason why God agreed to what the devil was saying is to provide Job with better things then he already have; and to give him a lesson. Going through all of that made me smarter. When I got baptized, shortly after it ended. It’s hard to tell your story when people only want to acknowledge the good angels. When the Bible clearly states that there is an evil force present here on earth. Sometimes you deal with it directly and sometimes indirectly. When people want to dabble into the supernatural, I shake my head. If you experience something supernatural just let it be a reminder that there is a spiritual warfare going on. Let it be proof that God exists and it’ll wipe out any doubts you have. I use to chase the supernatural and God let me see a man comment something similar to what I’m telling you. You can’t chase God and the devil. God is a supernatural force not to be wreckoned with and a force that will love you above all. Chase after Him.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Just a note: The quoted scripture “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” is actually Ephesians 6:12, not Eph 4:16 as cited; if anyone had trouble finding in their Bible :)
Thank you SRT for all the amazing content and for bringing together women in the word everyday! I thank God for all of you!
I’m so sorry Katie.
Today’s reading was hard for me. I have been going through a season of fear and doubt. When I have a fear my mind tends to dwell on it, and my worst fear is what today’s reading is about, about demons and I think ‘what if it could happen to me’. I worry that my lack of faith is disappointing to God. I feel like it’s all up to me to ward off evil forces and it is so stressful. I know I’m my heart God will protect me and that I will gain strength as I go through this season. God is definitely working on me and having me face my fears today. Prayers and encouragement are much appreciated. Much love!
Megan, I know exactly how you feel! The fear can snowball and the thoughts that come with it can as well. Just remember who you belong to!! You are protected and safe in the loving arms of our Almighty God. Lay your fears at the foot of the cross and walk confidently that no weapon formed against you shall prosper! Praying for peace for you.
Remember Megan, the people that were demon possessed were not saved. A saved person cannot be possessed. The moment we accept Christ as our savior the Hoky Spirit comes to dwell in us and never ever leaves us. We are His and Satan can no longer have us. A demon cannot dwell in a child of God, because the Holy Spirit is already there. Once we are a child of God we are no long a child of Satan. Nothing or no one can take that from us, John 10:27-29; Romans 8:38-39; 1 John 5:11-13.
Hey Megan! Thanks for sharing! I just want to let you know that even though you may have doubts and fears God is NEVER disappointed in you! He loves you so deeply that he wants you to overcome whatever is enslaving your mind so you can live like a free child of God, what you were created to be. His love cannot be earned by how much we do or how much faith we have. All he wants is for you to trust him so he can free you :)
“our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 4:16) Our world is a different world from 2,000 and even from 20 years ago. Though there is such a huge difference in our worlds, this still stays true. Our “evil” and “demons” are constantly changing and taking new forces, and it is important we stand strong in what is the Truth. Reading the scripture and study tonight I kept picturing the older woman in War Room and her devotion to prayer as her first strategy in a battle of “war”. This to me is a continuation of what she is saying.
I am blessed and caught so many revelation from your post..
“The warfare is real and we are called to engage in it.”
So – I’m a type A personality – go, go, go…do, do, do. And for years I was very much trying to actively “engage” in spiritual warfare. But over time – and much frustration – I came to meditate more fully on the Scripture that was used in the reflection:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your STAND against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to STAND YOUR GROUND, and after you have done everything, to STAND. STAND firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV
http://bible.com/111/eph.6.10-18.niv
The all-caps are my emphasis because that was what was so striking to me. Paul writes about STANDING in the battle. We’re dressed as warriors in a spiritual battle – but he doesn’t say advance or fight, he says stand multiple times. And this also helps me to understand where we are – where we have been positioned because of Christ’s finished work. Because of Jesus and His perfect sacrifice and His promise of the Holy Spirit living in us, we STAND in a position of authority. A position that has already won and just needs to “engage” by standing our ground and not allowing evil to have a foothold. That was a huge revelation for me as someone who is a doer, and it has given me a great perspective change in what our engagement in the spiritual warfare occurring around us should look like. Jesus is the perfect example of this in today’s readings – He stands. He speaks. He does not fight – He has authority. And that authority has been promised to us through the Holy Spirit.
Sorry about the length – when I read the word “engage” in the reflection, I was stirred to write.
Thank you so much for sharing your insight. I needed to read this.
I like how you differentiated between fighting and having authority. Thanks for sharing!
don’t apologize for the length! i loved this too. kinda reminds me of his charge to “be still” … and so coming from a fellow doer, i can relate! thank you for sharing.
beautifully said.. you have taught me new things from your post. I am blessed
Thank you for this!
So glad you shared, Jen! Grateful for your thoughts and words.
– Stormye
❤❤❤
This really spoke to me today! Thank you so much for sharing. I totally relate, and this perspective is very helpful.
This reminds me of Bethel’s new song The War is Over
<3
Look how many different ways the demons manifested themselves in the people. One was driven into deserted places. Another was unable to speak. One was mute. The demons were not gender specific, as one was in a daughter and another in a son. And yet, the power of the Word of Jesus healed them all. If God is for us, who can be against us?!
Amen amen amen!
Demons are both scary and fascinating to me.. scary for the obvious fascinating because they deepen my faith.. the existence of evil and forces of darkness only deepen my belief of the forces of good found in God to smite out evil..
I watched The Passion of Christ last weekend in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus smashes the serpent under His foot.. the foretelling of the annihilation of evil.. Satan and his legions of demons will be forever destroyed.. but until then, evil exists in many forms and demons still have the ability to wreak havoc and destroy lives.. I don’t think we should go out demon hunting, but I do think we can pray in power against them.. I’ll never forget locking eyes in a room with a man I believe was demon possessed.. he was a drug addict and he often spoke of God in very disrespectful ways.. he was a brother to my husbands boss and we were at a Christmas dinner.. as we locked eyes from across the room it was very clear that the Spirit in me and the spirit in him were having conversations.. I wasn’t scared but I was very aware of what was going on.. it was super cool to feel protected and unafraid of the evil present in him.. my only experience with demons in my 49 years of living..
“No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand”
Thank you SRT for these studies.. I love the Word of God and love how y’all present these studies!! Love and hugs to all!! xo
Thank YOU, Diane! Grateful for you!
– Stormye
Xoxo you guys are doing such a good good work.. may He continue to strengthen, equip, and do His beautiful thing through this beautiful ministry!
I am stuck on the question, “How did Jesus free the Canaanite woman’s daughter.” Can anyone share their answer or reflection on this question.
I have read the passage several times & the how eludes me.
Is it simply because the woman had faith?
I believe it was. Look at his response to her: ” And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” Ouch. I read it, and being who I am, I would stop asking right then and there.
Despite this, she responds: “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Wow. How brave of her! To continue asking and seeking healing despite his first response. That takes incredible faith and I think that’s why he healed her. daughter. Hope that helps some.
Yes, it helps! I was thinking along the same lines, but 2nd guessing myself. Thanks for sharing.
Agreed – she met him in his metaphor and acknowledged her other-ness, yet still implored Him to give her even scraps – crumbs – of a miracle. Though she was not Jewish she knew that even scraps of a miracle from the One True God would heal her daughter. And since her faith was there, Jesus answered her request, proving that none of us are outside the scope of His LOVE and kindness and mercy, if only we’d have faith enough to believe. And we have communion with this most wonderful God! That’s how I interpreted it :)
I agree. First to the Jews then to the Gentiles. And it was her persistence in asking Jesus that healed her daughter. Sometimes we have to ask more than once. But Jesus is Jehovah Rapha, our God our healer! Thank you Lord!
Great insight into this passage! This helped me understand it a lot better. Thank you!
Amen. Such a comfort.
amen! Sometimes we focus too much on the darkness instead of the LIGHT in front of us! He is alive and he has all authority over evil
http://www.in-due-time.com
my thoughts as well. amen and amen!
I am reading a Book by Maria Goff, called Love Lives Here. I read chapter 14 last night. She talks about a time when her husband Bob was in India and was stoned for rescuing young girls from a Brothal. A friend from her church came to her and told her this. “Not even the gates of hell can prevail against the will of God” She wrote this down on a post it note and saved it in her bible. All this reminds me that God will always win, and through our troubles and struggles we are to look forward and be thankful for Jesus and giving us the ultimate victory. I said a prayer for Katie H.
I am reading her book right now too. Love how you connected the ideas in it to this reading today! God is always in control!
I was struggling to understand the passage on the Gentile mother’s faith. I found this commentary really helpful . If you found Jesus’ response to her confusing like I did – I encourage you to take a look.
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/mark/7-24.htm
Thank you! :)
thank you – I felt unsettled by Jesus apparent harshness in these passages but the commentary helps
Today challenged me. I struggle with this so much having lost my dad to suicide. We had prayed for healing from a sudden onset of lack of sleep and torment for him. He loved Jesus but was obviously struggling. I want to believe leaning into the power of Jesus when we wrestle with our own “demons”. I can get hung up doing this a certain way to experience freedom and I get frustrated when I find myself running up again the same struggles over and over again. All of that to say.. I pray for faith, for wholeness, for freedom from things that grip us.
Just said a prayer for you and your family. Sending you lots of my love!
Ps when I left my last relationship, I had an onset of severe insomnia and torment. Every night was a nightmare. Every. Single. Night. And it wasn’t about me being sad about my relationship, though I most definitely was. This was spiritual. It was weird. I don’t want to go into it here, but it was a very frightening time. I can’t even imagine to the extent it must have gripped your father. It was a bizarre, dark, terrifying and maddening experience. One day I was sleeping fine, the next fortnight… sheer terror. And the scariest part was that it kind of felt like it came out of nowhere. But it did teach me how to walk through the wilderness. I don’t know if this will help at all, but what I would visualize (and still do), is that in this scary place/time, God the father Himself is holding my hand and walking me through it. This gave me trust and trust/faith is spiritual authority. Before bed every night, when I was scared (my heart racing), I would meditate/pray about God walking me through this by the hand. Teaching me what I needed to be taught. I gave the battle back to him. I stopped fighting it. I just focused on trust. I also prayed for God to send out extra angels (I prayed for archangel Michael) to help me and protect me in my sleep if possible. I know it sounds crazy but God actually sent some out. I saw them and they talked to me and helped me. Though I was too astonished to say anything. I was so rude unintentionally. I was just shocked. Couldn’t speak. But the love and peace I felt afterwards was otherworldly. That’s the only way I can describe it. And shortly after, the torment eased and then disappeared entirely. Anyway, I know you didn’t say you were having issues with sleep, but I just wanted to share my story because I use it to help me through all dark times. Like for instance, I met this guy who was GORGEOUS, but I could see the darkness in him. I met him a second time and he even told me about it! And yes, despite my initial instinct, I still let him take me out that second time (SIGH). So I asked God to help strengthen me in this area that I’m so weak and broken. I did the same visualization: God holding my hand during this situation. I trust that God will help me navigate through it so I don’t end up making the same mistakes I’m most prone to. I’m sorry for the length of this. Your comment just mentioned that sudden onset of lack of sleep and torment and that just triggered me to share my story. I hope it helps. God is holding your hand. Guiding you through this wilderness. He will walk you out of it and straight into Mount Zion. Just trust that he will and stay in scripture daily/build your relationship with him daily. You + God totally got this. Sending you a big hug!!!!
Lana, your testimony blessed me. I’ve been in the wilderness for 1.5 years and I finally see the restoration. Tormented, sleepless nights, depressed, sad, extreme anxiety, immobility, you name it. That spiritual warfare you mention is real. I can identify with your statement.
“Sometimes we focus too much on the darkness instead of the LIGHT in front of us! He is alive and he has all authority over evil.” (Amen!)
Katie, praying for your heart healing.
This resonates so much with me as I have been having nightmares for the last 6 months or so and they are terrifying. Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. I don’t usually check the app before bed but I’m so glad I did.
I also lost my dad to suicide. I just wanted you to know you’re not alone. It may not come quickly, but the Lord has been faithful in healing my broken heart. Prayers to you and your family.
Praying for all of these things for you, Katie. Thank you for sharing what has to be a difficult time for you. Grateful to have you in this community.
– Stormye
I wish I had better words to say, but I am so, so sorry. Jesus will meet you where you are. I pray that you’ll feel more of His presence.
Today’s devotional left me wanting to hear a lot more on the subject – and a little confused. Does SRT plan to address this topic in depth at any point? I realize one of the messages of the devotional is not to worry or focus too much on evil forces, but I still feel like there is a lot here that can be explored. Thanks!
David Platt did a secret church session (basically 4+ hours of teaching) not too long ago on this subject and spiritually warfare. You can find it on YouTube just by searching “David platt secret church spiritual warfare.”
Thank so much!
This was a very informative & applicable book:
https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Warfare-Christians-Demonization-Deliverance/dp/1936488337
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your heart, Tina. ❤️
As a child living in Africa, I first hand witnessed ‘black magic’ . It scared me to the point where I am still not comfortable talking about it….
All those years later, I remember a Pentecost service in church, when our pastor asked us to put our hands out to receive the Holy Spirit… I was in a dark place, this was the week of my daughter’s birthday and I was struggling in my head.. but trying, hopelessly to hang on to God… because.., to be honest, who else could I turn to… if God is for us, who can be against us…
Reluctantly, I put my hands out, mumbling I’ll do it only cos the pastor says to… I closed my eyes, and within a second this beautiful figure, an Angel stood before me… Frightened, I opened my eyes, and almost immediately, as I realized what I had seen, closed them again…it was fading away, but still there. I sat down confused, lost and absolutely unable to make sense of it… so I left, and went off to visit my little people who always make the world right somehow with their unconditional love and Grace for grandma. I had a little time with them, and as I left my son walked me to the car… He began to tell me that one of my daughter’s friends had been to a seance, and my girl had come through… I don’t know about you, but, in that dark and very sad place that my heart was, I would have loved to have listened to what he had to say, but I found myself saying to Him, not today, tell me later…
I drove home even more confused, but repeatedly praying as I drove…
When I got home, I got ready for bed, and hid under the covers whilst I prayed, and I mean prayed fervently…
Next morning after a peaceful sleep, I woke up thinking about my son’s words and the seance.. more prayers. I reckon, I have not prayed as much since..
Got to work and a friend asked me if I was okay… my thoughtful self and not wanting to worry my friend said ‘I am..’
But God….
I sat for a while, unable to concentrate… and finally, confessed to my friend that I was, sad and in a dark place… I told her about my visit to my son’s and his words and how my heart hurt because, although I know, because I have seen, was struggling with putting the thoughts aside and believing God would see me through…
She scooped me up from my desk, and said we were going to see someone who had better authority in these matters…( I work for a church handy that… right?).
I met with the lady, some 20 minutes later… told her what i had told my friend, she listened, then said .. ‘..Well I think the first thing to do is pray you find peace, God’s peace that surpasses ALL understanding… that in that peace you have no reason to think thoughts that are not of God… and secondly let’s pray God sends you an Angel…. at this point I felt a joy, a release and shouted.. He already has…’ It all suddenly made sense, He had gone ahead of me, He had been with me through it all… He had sent an Angel to watch over this sad and weary soul.. who felt lost, alone, confused… under attack..
God had made a way…
But for God…
I hold on to Him, because He is my rock, my refuge, my strength, and when days like that come…I lean on Him even more… He’s got my back…
Thank you Lord God, for the journey you have put me on, that from my childhood you made me aware of the evil that goes on, thank you that I never forgot, and that in my darkest hour, when you knew I would need help you sent me an Angel to watch over me… Thank you Lord God, that your Word is a lamp to guide me, and that with you as my guide, my help, my friend… I can put one foot in front of the other, in prayer, knowing you’ve already gone ahead, to smooth my path…Thank you Lord God.. Thank you…
He is near to those who call on Him, those w/o call on Him in truth…
Happy Monday Sisters…with love, hugs and hope… xxx
How beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Praying for your sweet heart.
Thank you for sharing your dramatic story, Tina. You came through a dark place to the Light of Jesus. This can be a dark world, but Jesus has overcome the world.
Romans 13:12 ….so let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Thank you, Lord for a new week and the knowledge that You go ahead of us and have our back!
Your story was comforting and encouraging for me today as I find myself going through a dark time. Thank you for sharing
He went ahead of you!!!!!!!! This made me want to shout!!! What a testimony!!!! Thank you for the reminder of all the times He’s gone ahead!!!!!! I needed that this morning. AMEN!!!
The Lord goes before you. I love this. Your story is so powerful, Tina, I find myself reading your words over and over again…love to you.