Three Stages and Strategies in Dealing With Demonic Attack
Have you ever been in a situation where you knew you were in the will of God, yet circumstances suggested the opposite? Have you ever been surprised by a demonic backlash?
Read on…
In Mark 4, Jesus finished teaching to a really receptive multitude. His grassroots movement was on fire! Afterwards, He sent the crowd away and entered a boat with His disciples—and in the exhaustion of His schedule, the outpouring of virtue, and rigorous prayer life, He fell into a deep sleep. As He slept, a furious storm arose with waves that overwhelmed and beat against the ship. As it took on water the disciples in near panic awakened Him crying out, “Lord, don’t you care that we’re perishing?” (Mark 4:38)
Jesus arose, quickly discerned the situation, and did something that up until now they had only observed Him do when casting out demons—He rebuked the wind! Immediately the wind subsided. Then He spoke to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And immediately there was a great calm. Then He turned to His traumatized disciples and said, “Why are you so fearful? Where is your faith?” (Mark 4:40)
So how did Jesus deal with the drowning contradiction? Here are three principles you can apply.
- Don’t accept the situation. Use your authority to change it! Sometimes you need to combine spiritual authority and discerning of spirits to deal with a high-level attack. There are several storm stories in the Bible and each one reveals a different strategy. For instance, Paul did not rebuke the storm he got stuck in because God was using it to his advantage! Instead, he used his faith to deliver himself. (Acts 27:39-44) Mark 4, however, is my favorite storm illustration. When God gives you a clear direction and a big contradiction shows up—rebuke the hindrance and keep moving.
- Rebuke the spirit. Never forget—the force behind your battle may be a spirit assigned to keep you from crossing over! God has called you to go somewhere. Don’t be surprised if the devil wants to stop you! In this passage, Jesus stands up in the ship and directly rebukes the causative spirit behind the storm. Note: the waters are not rebuked. He speaks calmly to the condition that was created by the agitating spirit and says, “Peace, be still.” There was a demonic fury that came up against the vessel that Jesus was on. It’s a two part formula. 1.) Rebuke the devil. 2.) Speak calming words to the agitated elements. Again, how do I know this spirit was demonic? Because Jesus rebuked it. Jesus’ rebuke was evidence that there was an intelligent force behind it that was resisting His will and acting out of alignment with His authority.
- Speak peace. In prophetic language agitated waters or seas symbolize people being stirred up. This shows up especially in the book of Revelation. Likewise,“winds” refer to spiritual forces. In your church or business or family you will need to deal with the devil directly in intercession. Follow it up by speaking wisely and peaceably to the agitated congregation, clients, employees, or family members who were unsettled and destabilized by the attack.
Question: When have you declared peace to the chaos around you and seen circumstances change before your eyes? Comment below!
As One!
Lance
Amazing Timely Message was involved in a bad accident last week car was a write off this is just the Word I Needed!
So glad this encouraged you in the midst of your storm!
I just read your article its on time glad God had placed in your spirit to share. My family have been going thru a storm with attacks from my family, my brother’s family and my mom. Three family members had job loss within the same week,minor auto incident and medical emergency . When there’s a prayer warrior in the family attacks will happen try to pull off course these situations just makes us more determine to seek God as to What is God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven, to pulling down the strongholds and speak Peace Be Still.
Once again thanks for sharing.
Simple, amazing truths explained in such an easy way to understand. Thank you Lance.
Thank you, Rose!!
Hi Lance!
One night as I was coming out of the grocery store I was at (which is not in a very good neighborhood) I heard three men having a very loud conversation. They were just outside the doors. All I had was one brief glance. I kept walking towards my car and began quietly praying in tongues. I saw two officers come around the corner who apparently had been called to come take care of the situation.
I got in my car and instead of leaving right away – I decided to do exactly the kind of thing you’re talking about. They couldn’t see me but as I was sitting in my car I had my hand stretched toward them & took authority over the situation and I did speak peace as well.
Nothing else happened that I could hear or see so I left after about 20 minutes.
I’d pretty much forgotten about this until I got your email.
Great testimony of walking in your authority, Sheri!!
Hi Lance, I’m Christian Chief and mostly happens in meetings (confusion) and many other council members that practice dark things for there agenda. Thanks Lance
A lot lately. It works!lol. Is God lonely!
Thank you lance, I have had a long string of things happen to get me out of alignment for a few months now starting with breast cancer.i was given a key back in February where whenever something hurtful ,confusing or disappointing happened I was to praise the Lord and thank him that’s what the Holy Spirit told me and things always work out and I feel better.now I am realizing latlely that I am able to know when something adverse is going to happen .so is the next step to praise the Lord and thank him before it happens in order to stop it ? Thank you once again .
I was driving on the highway with my husband, and he was repeatedly harrased by drivers who seemed to drive purposely to provoke my husband. I had a sense that it was different drivers, but same devil. Then there was one driver who was driving very aggressively and whacky – he would purposly drive in front of us, even when we tried to change lanes, and sped up when we tried to pass. I just had a sense of malevolent harrasement. So, out loud, I commanded “peace” to the other driver with my hand extended to him. Then the agitation dissipated and we were able to pass the other driver as if nothing had happened. Maybe I should have rebuked the spirit first, but at least we got home safely!
Way to stand firm and exercise your authority! It’s good training ground for next time.
Was trying out new snorkel equipment off the beach in Cozumel. A wave hit me and all my new stuff (snorkel, mask, fins, all of it!) headed out to sea… I just said “no! The enemy is not stealing my stuff and not ruining my time!” I commanded in the name of Jesus that it must return and (in front of witnesses!) the sea THREW all my gear and it landed on the shore! ! My friends stood there with mouths gaping. Lol. I do this all the time to storms, and in many other circumstances, but this one was epic. 🙂
I LOVE this. Thanks for sharing it.
lol. Great story! I love it.
Serena, I believe you! We are equipped to set healthy life boundaries. Why limit GOD. These testimonies show me, that GOD means business. Timely, provoking me to His more, ” teaching ” Grateful indeed.
That’s amazing, Rhonda!!!
Super cool story!!
THAT is awesome!!!
YES! Mat 28:18 – ALL authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus, so the devil has none – unless we give it to him, unless he can convince us that he has it, and we allow it!
AND,in Luke 10:19 Jesus says we have authority to dread on (down) ALL the dunamis of the enemy and nothing will by any means harm us – unless we allow it!
“Dunamis” is the word for “supernatural power”, “Dunamoo” is the verb form of that. I love Paul’s prayer in Col 1:11, which could be read, “(that we would be) miraculously empowered with all miracle working power according to His glorious power”
WHY do we need all this power?
“for all patience and long suffering WITH JOY! Giving thanks to the Father …”
This is just great. Trying to complete my doctoral thesis and a business plan at the moment. So many obstacles in the way. I have been feeling especially low this week. This encouragement couldn’t have come at another time.
Heading to a prayer and praise session with my church family now.
Thanks Lance!
Remember that the battle isn’t against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12)….or in this, case your coursework! So glad this post encouraged you.