Jesus gives us the authority to cast out evil spirits (demons) in ourselves, those we love, even complete strangers. I know that the Lord is growing me in this area of spiritual warfare by showing me how strong I am when I do everything through Christ’s strength.
I had a little spiritual warfare breakthrough/victory last week. I attended my friend’s church one evening for a deliverance ministry service. I always enjoy visiting churches and witnessing how members worship. At the onset, I decided that I was just there to worship and witness. I didn’t feel like I needed prayer, but I was open to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
As I witnessed others receive prayer for healing/deliverance, the Holy Spirt prompted me to go up to two senior deliverance pastors for prayer. I went up, but had no idea why I was there until we started praying together. The Lord showed me a fear that I had to release –one that holds me back from taking my personal ministry for Him to the next level. I felt wonderful after they prayed over me. When I sat back down, I felt almost euphoric (I seldom feel that way after prayer. The most I feel is a sense of peace and calm when someone like my mentor prays over me).
I sat in my seat, closed my eyes, and continued to pray, as other visitors were also doing, while a handful of prayer partners meandered around the room to pray for each individual. The prayer partners would stand behind the person (who was seated) and pray for them (sometimes they would touch their shoulder). As I sat with my eyes closed in complete bliss and gratitude, I felt hot air approach my right side. Then, the right side of my head felt like it was on fire (and not the good kind of fire associated with God’s glory). The air smelled rotten, and my entire body felt heavy. I felt horrible. When her hand gently touched my shoulder, I jumped.
I opened my eye just a little to turn and look over my shoulder at a woman standing behind me, praying. She took her hand off me immediately but continued to pray. I wasn’t sure what was happening at first, but I knew it wasn’t from God, so I began to pray against it. I envisioned Jesus casting white light at the darkness that was coming at me. This continued for several seconds as I imagined Jesus slaying the darkness with His sword of light. I was intentional, determined, and not giving up God’s goodness that I received minutes earlier from the prayer couple.
After a few seconds, the lady moved on, sort of abruptly, and I could tell she wasn’t finished praying. But I was done! I cast out that demon with the authority Jesus gave me. I did not go home feeling wiped out (as I usually do when I get attacked), emotionally stricken, or defeated. I did not need to text my mentor or friends the next day for healing prayer. I did not need to ask my husband (who has the gift of healing) to lay hands on me and drive out the demon through prayer (which he does with such proficiency). I did it through Christ who strengthens me!
Turns out, that lady was a highly sensitive prayer partner who had just prayed over a woman who was very oppressed. Perhaps some of that woman’s stuff was affecting her. But there was also the possibility that the prayer partner had her own oppression going on (evil spirits bothering her), knowingly or unknowingly. Remember, evil spirits can oppress anyone at any time.
Anyone concerned right now? I certainly was. The prayer partner was supposed to offer healing and bring peace to those who were suffering. Instead, the opposite was happening. As Christians, we need to be responsible for the energy we carry around (and the demons/evil spirits that go with), especially those who offer Christian healing to others. If we’re not properly grounded in Christ, we’re vulnerable to spiritual oppression.
Granted, this woman could be a really good person and effective prayer partner overall. I know nothing about her personally. But the Holy Spirit enabled me to discern the spirit in her that evening, and it was not from the Lord. When tested, the spirit fled. Just as all darkness must when Christ’s light exposes it.
Use discernment and prudence when someone lays hands on you to pray. Not all prayer is safe. And when you do encounter the enemy, pull out your sword that Jesus gives you (reread Ephesians 6) and slay that demon in His name!
