After my parents split up my mom (and us) attended an independent non-denominational evangelical charismatic church. There was a lot of raising hands in worship, laying on of hands during prayer, dancing, healing services, speaking in tongues, being slain in the spirit, prophesying, Friday night prayer meetings, preaching for two hours, all that kind of stuff. None of which I have an issue with and also I was raised Catholic up to that point (and with Dad thereafter), so I'm comfortable in pretty much any church, which is nice. Both ends of the spectrum.
One of the other things they always seemed to talk a lot about was spiritual warfare. I was never really sure where I stood on that subject. Mom would say that in the spirit realm they (angels and demons) would be fighting for your soul. And sometimes the warfare that was going on spiritually would be manifested in your physical realm. That was a little bit harder for me to understand or believe, I'm not sure which or why. There was a period in my life (before and during the time we went to that church) where I did see spirits, both angels and demons, which I don't offer up very often because then people really think I'm a quack.
Then we started 2012. I have felt more attacked in these last six weeks than I have in years. I'm not sure what to make of it. Not severe attacks, just the kind that are persistant and over time could break a person. And then one day I thought, "It's like Satan is throwing all of these trials at us to see if he can break us." Which lead me to the thoughts of the whole spiritual warfare entering the physical realm.
Now Tim was raised Quaker, which is mostly like every other religion and church service I've been to but with all of the "weird" stuff left out, they are just very quiet and reserved and are pacifists. Tim will often look at me like I have three heads if I bring up experiences or ideas from when I went to that non-denominational church. So I tread lightly there. However, after the sequence of events these last six weeks I had to bring up the spiritual warfare bit to see what he thought. He actually didn't shoot me down or look at me strange. He feels it too. He feels the forces we can't see trying to wear us down and pull us apart. Why the attacks? Why all at once? Physical manifestation of spiritual warfare might be an explanation.
If it is, it gives me more determination to fight back, I mean if we are worth Satan's time to try to break down then we are doing something right. If we are something he is fearful of it only means that the Jesus within us is growing and for that he has reason to fear.
Any thoughts out there from the peanut gallery? Any similar experiences? Comments from all places in the spectrum are welcome.
4 comments:
I have never felt the attacks from demons so palpably, but I know the devil tries to get at me sometimes. I have, however, felt those little nudges from my guardian angel. Not very often, but here and there.
I agree with you about the devil trying harder to get you when you're doing something right. I've always heard that the closer you are to God, the harder he works on you. But, like Job, God does not just let the devil have his way with us forever. I'd suggest saying the name of Jesus (a prayer in and of itself), and a prayer to St. Michael the Archangel in those times you feel demonic attacks most strongly. And, of course, a prayer to your guardian angel.
http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/michael.htm
I've also heard and read that demons can exert their influence within our houses and that having your house blessed can remove them and their influence. I would imagine Fr. Fox in Piqua may be willing to come out and bless your house for you, but I'm sure your sister would know that better than I!
You do have at least 6 angels in your home, one for each if you, and possibly more. You can pray to any and all of them for protection and guidance. I, too, will ask them to help you overcome this difficult time. I love you and all your menfolk! May God grant you peace and shelter!
http://www.peterkreeft.com/topics/angels.htm
I read this article a while back and found it very helpful, also. You may know all that about angels already, but I thought it was worth posting. :)
Thank you for your comment Monica, and the link to article on angels. I like to read about things from someone else's perspective, makes me come at something from a different angle, and often times rounds out the picture for me.
We had our house blessed before we moved in-it had sat empty for so long, it just felt to me like something might be lingering there!
Maybe you could blog about your nudges from your guardian angel sometime? That would be interesting to hear about.
Quite possibly these are just growing pains to get Tim and I to continue to draw closer to Christ. God doesn't want us to get too comfortable, always wants us to learn new things and keep moving toward him.
Thanks again for your input!
The bible states that "our struggle isn't against flesh and blood, but against the rules, against the authorities, and against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 I do believe that and there are times that I have felt the attack. Mostly concerning my thoughts.
The times that I remember feeling the attack was right before God revealed himself even greater to us. So I would agree with you that God is wanting more of you and Tim and is wanting you to be at a place that you are thirsty for more of Him. Satan and his demons know that too and so they are working hard to combat it from happening. I guess you have nothing else to do but to give God Thanks in advance for what He is about to do in your lives!!!! I do hope you keep us posted on the outcome. :)
Much Love to your family,
Jennie
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