Just to be clear, it’s oppressed, not possessed. I don’t think that a true believer in Christ would ever be possessed. If you were, it is much more likely that you have never been saved. You can walk away and there is a point where He may not keep striving with you, but that is still a different topic. As we continue talking about healing let’s remember Acts 10:38, how Jesus went around doing good and He healed those oppressed of the devil, because God was with Him.
And now, He is with us, by the Spirit. We can be helpful or hurtful to others and it is our choice. Personally, I have found it hard to walk away from situations when I cannot help someone, when they refuse to listen or just are determined to rely on worldly counsel or think that they can take care of themselves. I have had to, for my sake and in order to help others. How is that working out? Taking care of yourself? Probably, not very well. But sometimes, it is a necessity in order to keep our own minds, thoughts and souls clear and rested.
I remember a woman from daycare where my mother cooked at a church. Even with a good, warm breakfast waiting for her child, she brought in a cold one, explaining that she had to rely on herself. I was young then and didn’t have a clue at women can get themselves into. None of us can really rely on ourselves. Years of stress, mental strain, and abuse, can cause you to be oppressed of the devil and you may not even realize it. Believers have a way out.
Jesus said we could do nothing without Him, or apart from Him, John 15:16, it includes the phrase ” remain in Him “, which is what we often fail to do. We don’t pray through to the end of a problem or we are face with the same problem, the devil really has no new bag of tricks and he enjoys tormenting believers over past mistakes, forgiven sins and constant lies to the mind and heart. That is oppression!
It is important to remind ourselves that we remain repentant and in His Word, how much we are love and wash in the blood of the Lamb and the water of His Word. We don’t want to move away from the shadow of the Almighty, where we dwell in the safety of Psalm 91. Don’t get me wrong, I know people who were taking medication that disqualified them ministry back in the day. If you need help from a professional, by all means get it but don’t leave the Lord out of your loop.
I blog alongside many Christian therapists and counselors. I recently spoke to a new friend and follower about spiritual depression as opposed to clinical depression. As believers, we are not always wrestling flesh and blood, Ephesians 6:12. There are many categories of devils or demons, ranking from what would be a pesky little imp to a truly tormenting spirit. Most people would disagree with that entirely, and I suppose it would sound like you needed psychotherapy, and in extreme cases, or dabbling into what you should not, not being saved, you would.
It is not fiction, nor fantasy, there is real spiritual warfare going on. And the more you know and love Jesus, well, often it comes. I have been seeing so many of His people going through so many trial, long hospital stays, aging parents, ongoing illnesses, rebellious children. It is nothing new to Christians, but it has escalated in these latter days. I am not the bearer of bad news but the good news is His gospel, and His peace, all the benefits of salvation.
Whatever, you are going through today, you are not alone. You have prayer warriors at the ready, protective angels to enfold you in their wind and the Ancient of Days, the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah to go before you and who is beside you, roaring much louder that the voice of the enemy that taunts and accuses, mercilessly, I have been there and I pray for you, that He strengthens you as you remain in His love. We are righteous only through Him and that is why no weapon prospers, Isaiah 54:17.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38 ( all verses New Living )
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
Jesus had the power to heal instantly, but some were healed from the hour or as they went. It is true of us. Some, no doubt, returned to sin and the healing left and others never returned to be thankful.
Whether it was physical, mental, or demonic, Jesus knew what everyone needed, just as He does us. Sometimes, we think we need healing, other times, it is deliverance, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the right verses, doctors or medication, but be sure to remain in Him and hold fast to the faith in you, for He heals those oppressed of the devil.
And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38
I don’t want anything to do with the devil and am certainly not suggesting that he has any power over us, the greater one lives in us, 1 John 4:4, it is so much more of a blessing to talk about the one who loved us, Jesus who walks with us, has angels charged over us and heals those oppressed of the devil.
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