The Narrow Way

I couldn’t exactly pause, I needed to make a decision. Would I believe the scriptures and take a stand, or slink back and cower? 😰

I had just finished ministering at a women’s event when a group asked me to pray for a woman’s back. As I laid hands on her to pray, I listened…it wasn’t her back…in my minds eye I saw the word “deliverance.” 😕

Time seemed to stand still. It was my first time confronting the demonic.

“He’s got this, no need to worry, just proceed forward,” or something like that went my self talk…A boldness bubbled up within me, and I became confident that the Holy Spirit was empowering me to act.

I can’t help but wonder if this is somewhat what Stanley, our 8 month old LGD pup felt yesterday as he confronted a large feral cat for the first time. He knew this animal didn’t belong and his job was to see it off, but being a pup, he was a little uncertain.

The cat, a stocky male who we call Big Papa, was sitting on our deck like he did before the days of Stanley.

Suddenly I heard Stanley barking and it was not his normal bark, he sounded ferocious. 😳 He locked in on Big Papa and started up the deck to confront him, then retreated partially back down. Back and forth he went as I raced out to intervene. Though the cat caused trouble in the past (killed a chick and was aggressive at times—he’s completely wild), I didn’t want him hurt.

Despite being only 75lbs right now, Stanley’s rapid deep bark was intimidating and I hesitated for a moment when I grabbed for his collar😧 He paused for a second, his demeanor changed and he looked sweetly into my eyes as if asking for permission or reassurance. He must’ve sensed I was ok, because he then he charged forward with all his strength pulling me with him. He was determined to drive this threat away.

I kept trying to encourage Big Papa to leave as he sought refuge under various lawn chairs, but he held his position. Then Stanley broke free. Big Papa raced safely under furniture before leaping off the deck with Stanley in pursuit. Within seconds it ended…Big Papa made it out of Stanley’s limits, narrowly escaping with his life.

My plunge into deliverance was so similar to this. As those who had prayed for this woman’s back pain went away, I remained. I knew something was wrong and I knew it was “my job” to deal with it. I could either walk away or confront it. The woman “Deb” opened her eyes and looked at me. I then shared what God had shown me, the word “deliverance,” and that “I think you need to know Jesus as your deliverer.”

She quickly grabbed my hands and began squeezing, her fingers were digging into my wrists and her eyes welled up with tears. Through clenched teeth she whispered “I hate myself. Everyday I scream in the mirror. I beat my body and yell at my family wishing for death. I am so angry all the time…” As she uttered these words, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit rising up within me.

Briefly in that moment, it was as if I paused to look at God, the way Stanley paused to look at me, and in my heart I was asking “are you with me?” even though I knew He was. With His power so apparent, I decided to charge forward.

I can’t recall the details of what I prayed. I remember quoting memorized scriptures and leaning into knowledge from a Derek Prince book that I had just finished (They Shall Expel Demons). I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, but I felt confident I could stand in the authority Jesus gave, and by His power, drive the demons out.

The prayer didn’t last long. Deb didn’t respond as I expected based on books and Hollywood. There was no falling to the floor or twitching, only coughing, snot, and tears of a desperate woman. I handed her tissues, as I felt the power dissipate. The battle was over.

As I drove home, I wrestled in my mind. I wasn’t sure if “it worked.” I eventually decided it must have based on the word of knowledge given beforehand. If God had shown me she needed deliverance, surely He would deliver? Nonetheless, it bothered me not knowing for certain. Because unlike Stanley and Big Papa, I didn’t actually see the demons flee…

Perhaps it’s because it was my first encounter that God knew I could use some reassurance, perhaps not. Regardless, that’s what He did some 3 months later when I found myself ministering at a different event.

The room was dim and I had just finished sharing when someone in the crowd tapped me on my shoulder. I turned around, it was Deb!

“Do you remember me?” She asked.

Of course I did! How could I forget! She then pulled me in for a hug and said “I want to thank you for praying. My life completely changed since that day and I haven’t had any of the same feelings since. It is all gone.” My heart just about fell out of my chest as I wept and thanked God with her. 😭❤️

He had done it. It was finished, and I never needed to wonder again. 🙌

I was able to walk in a new level of faith after that. My confidence in Gods ability to carry out what He led me to had grown significantly. I imagine it will be the same for my young pup. He’s now encountered and successfully driven off his first real “threat,” and knows he’s stronger.

I learned that too. In Him, I have full backing from God in such situations, just like Stanley had from me. I need not fear the demonic because:

“Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world” 1 John 4:4

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19

Stanley was created to destroy threats to our property. He wasn’t bred to be a coward, but to take a stand. Yet, he still needs support and encouragement as he learns to assess and manage intruders appropriately. I expect there will be other “firsts” requiring some backing. And that’s ok.

Similar to Stanley, Christians have been redeemed and equipped by the Spirit of God to neutralize the enemy. We haven’t been given a spirit of fear, but that doesn’t mean we don’t still need some training and support, especially when it’s our first time. 💪❤️ And God knows that. That’s why He has given us resources, mainly His word, His Spirit, and each other to share experiences and build one another up.

Jesus said plainly, He came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and that we would do even greater works than His (John 14:12). If He calls us to do the same, surely He will also enable us.

Someday Stanley will act independently of me. He will be mature and prepared to handle whatever threats come based on experience, training, and instinct. This is where we as believers stand in contrast to him. Although we grow in confidence, we are designed to always look to our Shepherd no matter our experience or maturity. God had designed us to remain dependent, to keep us close. Furthermore, we need direction, because how we are led to deal with one situation may be very different from the next.

My prayer is that we sharpen our ear to hear what God is doing that we might align ourselves with Him and walk in the good works He has prepared in advance for us (Eph 2:10).

As always, thanks for stopping by.