You won’t believe what happened to me since I was in here last!
I hear that refrain frequently from clients after they have come in for the initial session. Many are amazed at how events have conspired to try to dissuade them from coming in for the help that they need. There are no such thing as coincidences in the kingdom of God and those who understand the nature of deliverance ministry and the ways of the demonic realm are best positioned for victory.
Let me clarify the hornet’s nest analogy: sometimes when the nest is disturbed, they settle back down and do not attack! Life goes back to normal and no additional turmoil ensues. This drama-free scenario can unfold in a similar fashion in the spirit realm also and I’ll get to that later.
I met once with a young man who had mustered up the hope and faith to schedule the first counseling session. He had pursued many avenues to gain victory over anger and all had been unsuccessful. When I learned his background and explained how deliverance ministry could benefit him, he left my office excited and hopeful for the next session.
He called me a few days later to cancel the upcoming appointment. Perplexed, I asked him why. He sheepishly explained that he’d spoken to his pastor about the path he was on and was told that Christians do not need deliverance. I was disappointed because I was confident that it would benefit him. His hopes and expectancy had been dashed at least for this season
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (second heaven – principalities over regions) and also in the earthly realm where we live, work and play. It is this first heaven where the ministry of deliverance can be vitally helpful because it is these demons who are specifically purposed to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).
Our first session with clients comprises an interview session where the counselor gains an understanding of each person’s issues and background. For many, it has been a struggle to schedule even that first session but when they push through, the next challenge is to prepare them for what lies ahead. During the second session, we are set to conduct a teaching about open doors for demonic torment and for many it’s the first such instruction they’ll receive.
It’s between these two sessions that I have seen the demonic kingdom wage their most vigorous attacks as they seek to keep the client away from our Center. God’s people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6) and the demons know that an educated believer is a dangerous foe.
For that reason, I make it a point to explain the hornet’s nest analogy. Once you disrupt the status quo, the hornets (demons) are energized and position to attack and disrupt the process. Forewarned is forearmed so I want our folks to be prepared for what may lie ahead.
Here are some of the most common tactics I’ve witnessed:
- “I think God has delivered me already; I felt so good after the first session that I almost didn’t’ come back.” The problem is that we don’t do deliverance on the first session, so the devils are laying low trying to foster a lie.
- A well-meaning “friend” or pastor will arise to tell them they do not need deliverance; that Christians can’t have demons.
- Suddenly volatiles family issues that seek to consume one’s attention. Once distracted, some do not return to what they know God has called them to do.
- Car problems. Yes, automobiles can break down at any time but the timing for many is more than suspicious.
While we’ve seen these with clients, all of us can look at seasons in our journey with God where we get drawn away from the proper path. While there are not demons behind every problem or issue in our lives, I believe that many times the demonic realm is more actively involved than we acknowledge. If we don’t perceive this as a spiritual ploy, then we are going to respond solely out of the flesh. The Bible tells us that we are to desire spiritual gifts eagerly, and the gift of discerning of spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10) is vital for our arsenal and we should be proficient in walking in it.
A wise man has said that a problem diagnosed is half-cured. If we can discern this as a demonic tactic, the best course of action is just to push ahead and do what we know the Lord has called us to do because, after all, if the devils are coming against it, we are on the right track, are we not?
The Hornets are Stirred Up; What Should You Do?
- If you have started counseling, deliverance or a “God-project” and believe that God has given you the direction, read on. Need help discerning the source? Get help from a trusted friend/advisor.
- Anticipate (but not necessarily expect) that there may be demonic opposition.
- Ask the Lord for the gift of discernment to operate in your life so you will be wise as a serpent, yet gentle as a dove (Matthew 10:16). Pray for His grace and strength to move in you as you persevere.
- Prepare to take thoughts captive if opposition arises.
- Refocus on the course He has set you on (point 1 above).
- Just do it! Make the call, keep the appointment, call the person or do whatever the demons are trying to stop you from completing.
You may think this sounds so simple but really, how hard do we want to make it? God has a good plan for us and the demons are working a very negative one. If we can accurately discern what is happening, we can make the right choices more frequently.
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