Battling demons is not only for deliverance ministers, but for us all. We may not be called to do deliverance for others as our primary ministry, but spiritual warfare is the responsibility for each one of us. Spiritual warfare begins in the home.
Jesus never asks us to do something we could never do. Jesus commanded, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
I served in a deliverance ministry under a mighty minister for many years in one of the prisons I ministered in. The casting of demons is an area of ministry much needed in our world today. We have such a massive need for people to be set free from the demons that hold them in bondage and torment them along the way.
If you don’t cast the demons then you keep the demons. Jesus taught, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons…” (Mark 16:17).
I have found that the more I served in ministry, the more the attacks would follow. Nobody tackles a football player sitting on the bench, but when they are running towards the goal. Don’t think demonic attacks are because you’re on the wrong track, when often they come when you’re on the right track.
Enemy attacks are proof you are in the battle. “Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will turn and run away from you.” (James 4:7 TPT).
In ministry, I have had many battles with demons. Sometimes I won, sometimes I did not. In my personal life I have had many demonic attacks. Many times, I have had demons come into my bedroom at night, and I can feel them walking on the mattress around me. I have had them do this both at my house and when I am staying in hotels.
If you want to call yourself His disciple, then act like one. “Then He appointed twelve…to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons” (Mark 3:14-15).
I have seen demons in the open but more often in the eyes of people who have demons inside them. But when the demons are walking on the mattress around me, I do not see them. I only feel their evil presence. But I can physically feel them walking on the mattress. I can feel their footsteps as if they weighed fifty pounds or more.
The Devil uses trials to be the end of you, but God uses them to create a new beginning in you. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2-3 NASB).
It can be a terrifying feeling when a demon is near me in the night. Sometimes I will be afraid and wonder what they might do to me. But it is then where I plead the Blood of Christ over me. I speak this aloud for them to hear. Demons cannot read our thoughts, but they can hear our declarations.
If you don’t evict the Devil, then don’t be surprised when he stays. “And they cast out many demons…” (Mark 6:13).
Sometimes I will get so angry with the demons, and I will cast them to the feet of Jesus and declare that they have no right over me. I will tell them that I have been bought by the Blood of Christ and demand that they leave the room in the name of Yeshua the Messiah, Jesus the Christ, my Savior.
Jesus intends for us to have a faith that takes hold of His power. “Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons…” (Luke 9:1).
There are times when I declare they must leave, but they do not. I am not sure if it is a lack of faith or a test of faith that this is so. I will have to lay there with my eyes closed as I feel the demon walking up and down on the mattress behind me. I can sense their longing to attack me, but they cannot. It is only by faith that I can fall asleep in the midst of this.
It is not enough to know about the armor, but you must wear it. “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan.” (Ephesians 6:11 TLB).
Demons can manifest in a thousand ways. Perhaps you have experienced something different from me. Many people are afraid or unsure to tell others of what they experience. I want you to know that we can tell the truth and shame the Devil for what he does. We have a mighty Lord Jesus and we do not have to fear the Devil and his demons, nor the mocking of those who may not believe us.
If a saint refuses to fight, by their forfeit the Devil wins. The Apostle Paul said, “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy…wage the good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18).
In however demons may be harassing you, directly or through others, I pray that you will tell someone that you trust so they can pray for you. Anoint yourself with oil and read the Word aloud in your home. Declare the truth of your Lord Jesus and your position as a child of God. Speak your mind knowing demons cannot read your mind. And know that He has you.
The more you realize His greatness in you, the less you will worry about the things around you. “…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
I am most blessed to be in a season where no demons have come near me for many months. But I know if they do, I can say with all assurance, “greater is He in me.”
Blessings to you,
Paul
Unless otherwise denoted, all Bible translations are NKJV.
If you’re interested in studying more on spiritual warfare and battling demonic activity in your life or in the people around you, I would suggest reading a book called “I Give You Authority” by Charles Kraft. I have read many books on spiritual warfare and found this one to be very well written with a strong foundation on the Word of God.