“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to Him, ‘Lord, even the demons obey us when we use Your name!’” Luke 10:17 (NLT)
It was actually funny! Awhile back, we were coaching some folks in the middle of the night, which is not something we normally do. It was a very stormy night, with an active tornado watch in our area. Because of the storm, Shellie brought her iPhone into our bedroom with us. Just at midnight she received a text asking if we were awake. Soon we were on a group call walking them through a full-blown deliverance session. Crazy, with lightning flashing and thunder roaring, from our bed we assisted them in casting out the demon.
At one point early in the session, we had encouraged them to silence the demon and talk to the person. Well, one of the leaders went right for it saying “Hey demon, let me speak to _____!” It was as if she was politely asking permission. And of course, the demon did not comply! We told her that she has authority in Jesus Christ and to command that foul spirit to be silent and release _____ to speak! When she did, _____ was instantly allowed to speak! Some two hours later the demon was out and everyone went to bed. Obviously, there is much more to this story than I can unpack right here. But one thing you do need to know is this person who was set free is a follower of Christ, and this is not quite the end of the story.
Why am I sharing this? I believe this is just the beginning of a new season. There are many people who think the struggles they live in are simply their own problems. They do not understand the demonic forces at work. I am not saying that every problem is demonic. But I believe it is way more prevalent than we realize. If you don’t believe that you have chains on you won’t try to take them off, and you will remain in chains. Since many don’t believe in demons they never even think of getting rid of them. But this is going to change!
Demons are like flies or rats in that they are present for a reason. Simply put, if you take away the garbage or bring healing to the wounds, they no longer have a legal right to be there. In other words, if you get rid of what allows them to be there (often unforgiveness, sin, trauma, vows, etc.) they can no longer stay. Christians need to wake up to the spiritual realities around us and learn to cast out demons! Revival, awakening and harvest are here. The kingdom of God is at hand and so get ready! Btw, this testimony is one of many in our city!!!
Ask God to open your eyes to the spiritual realities around you. Ask Him to help you step into the authority you have as a born again, child of God. Jesus has given us authority to cast out demons. Ask God to reveal any and every fear you may have of demons as well as any place you have opened yourself up for a demonic squatter. Like Jesus, we are not to go on a demon hunt, but when it gets in the way we must be ready to cast it out. Ask Him to teach you how to break demonic bondages. Pray for your pastor and leaders to become more open to this spiritual realm and to get ready for the day that is approaching when we will be actively “setting the captives free!” Pray that these foul demonic critters that operate in our city would be exposed, and cast out, starting with those in or around you, and those in your church.
