Calling Out The Evil Ones

On my journey in developing this prayer ministry, it became obvious that I couldn’t ignore the nefarious evil staring me in the face—Satan and his “minions”. Ugh. I understand that some of you won’t want to read all of this—I felt that way at one time, too.

But please don’t avoid the topic entirely. It is essential that we believers remain aware of the battles occurring in our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, churches (yes), and sometimes even in our own homes.

Ministry leaders sometimes run into a thick wall of opposition that perhaps wasn’t always obvious (or was)—and that is the devil himself. His crew and their work may appear silent to some observers—yet they remain deadly to the ones who’ve accepted their whispers.

If we ministry leaders refuse to acknowledge the presence of satan, we are defunct. We will never be able to truly help our people if we do not address the root problem of demonic influence.

As you know, I study the topics I feel called to learn, and I couldn’t pick up a book on healing without also slamming into a very yukky (and maybe scary) topic—demons. “No thanks,” I said a few times as I set the books down or skipped a few chapters. I mean, I knew the bad guys tend to hover out there. And I understood that God gives us power over them.

Photo by Davide Cantelli on Unsplash

My upbringing taught me that they could possess unbelievers, not believers. But I was just beginning to learn that they still influence those of us who believe—and basically hang on our shoulders while crafting their convincing arguments and self-inflating adulation. IF we listen. IF we give them an opening. Yes—at times I’ve given them portals, and I bet you have too.

And we all thought that sketch of Ernie on Sesame Street with the devil on one shoulder and the angel on another was a joke. Nope.

Gosh—why is it so hard to admit the human things? :-)

I also (sadly) acknowledged another thought just at the edge of my consciousness that flitted in, then just as quickly ducked back out—that perhaps my abusers had been affected (or possessed) too.

But that didn’t mean that I personally had to deal with these inner saboteurs, right?

I hit a hard reality a few weeks ago. I realized that some of the abuse survivors I’ve worked with, who just could not break free, are affected. And then God provided a vision of casting things out of a beloved family member. So I have family affected, too.

Ouch.

And whew. Well, things make a lot more sense now.

Thinking about ME being called to a flee-on-demand situation gave me a tad bit of trembling. But I lifted my chin, squared these stubborn shoulders, blinking twice. If He calls me…er, when He calls me, I will obey.

Because He doesn’t give me visions that don’t happen. He also does not inform me of false notions, although at times they take time to come to fruition.

In my abuse recovery groups last year, I finally acknowledged the presence of otherworldly beings. In particular, within an intense-eyed gal who occasionally attends and challenges me to brief staring contests (I win!) as we discuss biblical scriptures and curriculum.

She loves to argue, attempts to “take over” the group, and offers constant (wrong) advice to other group members. I’ve had to scissor her off many times and seize the leadership of the group back, even during prayer time. I considered detaching her from the group permanently (we do go there occasionally), but I just didn’t feel quite right about that. She’d experienced a lot of abuse—and I knew she still needed healing.

Oh, be still my compassionate heart.

I watched other group members carefully, of course. If any of them had been largely influenced or impaired, I certainly would have removed her without hesitation. One week, I did ask her to exit that meeting, and we followed up with an (ineffective) phone call where I (again) shared the guidelines with her. I reminded her, “If you want to attend, I need you to follow the guidelines.”

But no matter what I did—conflict ensued. We just could not make things work.

During one meeting, she pulled such a huff and dramatically exited the room each time I prayed—as if she couldn’t stand the words, or the presence the prayers brought to us all in the room.

Finally, in my last round of prayers, she departed and did not return.

The whole room breathed easier after her choice. Obviously, I needed to remove her entirely—it hadn’t just been affecting me. But she never returned while I led, so God took care of that part.

She, and others I know, hold a stake more profound than just plain “rebellion” or “sin”. They are very likely entrenched with minions. And to give that up also means a huge change in what often creates comfort—because that is what the lies of satan do.

But that didn’t mean that I personally had to bicker with these saboteurs, right?

Ha ha.

A few weeks ago, it scraped close to home.

And God delegated me to take care of it.