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
This helps me so much! Now I understand what happened to me yesterday. I kept saying, “God don’t you see this happening, why, why, I know you told me to do this!”. I had a medical procedure go terribly wrong but knew God was with me and even got a sign of it that I asked for. I will know what to do next time, thanks soooo much!
This is something that God has been speaking to me about. Just by “chance”, last night it started to pour rain and I hadn’t put the horses in yet. As I went out, it began to rain harder. I decided to practice literally speaking to the storm. I said, “In Jesus name, rain, stop for 5 min while I put the horses away.” The rain immediately slowed. I said, “The wind and the waves obey Jesus’ name. Stop raining in Jesus name.” Seriously, immediately, I had hardly finished saying it when the rain subsided. It was 99.9% stopped. I just thanked Jesus over and over again and it slowed even more. I was hardly wet when I got back inside. It was COOL! So now I am watching and looking for opportunities to speak into storms whether mine or others. Thanks for such a way to see this all written. Also, I am hoping to see you this Sunday when visiting relatives in Harrisburg, PA 🙂
Faith building, isn’t it?! Thanks for sharing.
God is calling us to not only see in the spirit but be led by the Spirit of God. This message increases our understanding as to the power of Christ in us. Speak. Use your authority in Christ and speak to those mountains, those obstacles, demonic attacks that deter us from our God Given Territory and Blessing- Our Inheritance…to the other areas of life peace beyond all understanding…
I can’t get into the details but GOD IS ABOUT TO BECOME MORE FAMOUS! The spirit of deception is causing a stir of confusion making people go around and around….STOP IT..Be the voice of TRUTH and RIGHTEOUSNESS..I could keep on with the breaking through thats happening..ITS MASSIVE..IN THE CHURCH, IN THE COURTS, IN GOVERNMENT, IN MARKETPLACE, IN FAMILY it is causing disarray because many of us have LOST OUR FIRST LOVE..the crown of life goes to those who persevere under trials..seek HIS FACE.I will never be the same as I rise up in BOLDNESS and take a stand on the mountains..SPEAK TO IT—REBUKE THE DEMONIC ACTIVITY and in the BE STILL a flag of surrender… of territory restored for GODS KINGDOM PURPOSES….OTTAWA will NEVER be the same!
Hi Lance – I work with people daily with mental health issues (spirits of infirmity in many cases). When I became more conscious of the LORD’s Presence within me than I was of the tormenting spirits that accompany the individuals I care for, the Holy Spirit told me that if I would touch them when they are in my presence HE will transfer His peace through me to them. Over and over again I have watched the LORD’s peace subdue the tormenting spirits that were manifesting. I quietly give God glory as I listen to the caregivers say things like, “I’ve never seen him this calm” or “This is the first time she didn’t scream/hit”. To God be the Glory!
YES! You are being used for His glory in a mighty way in your work place.
I need to hear this today the perfect time. The Lord spoke through you to me. Thank you Lance.
So glad to hear that!
Thank you Lance, simply perfect.
Recently I was at work and everything that could go wrong was. The entire plant was in chaos. I told the others in the office that I was going to pray over the situation so they would understand and agree. I commanded the chaos to stop and told it it was not allowed in the office. Then spoke peace and joy over the office. it calmed everything down right away.
Thanks
I was recently set free from a 6 year long demonic attack. I found a attack warrior women in line and she help to set me free. Then on of the Pastors I shepherd in Uganda was really upset at me. He was demanding that I tithe to his church. I got an email about this and he was just throwing curse after church at me. It was enough negativity to put me right back into a demonic attack. I’m not being attack by one or two demons. It is a whole principality bugging me. Please pray for me. I will do all that you have suggested in your article. And thanks because you know not many pastors want to speak about the demonic it seems to me.
Blessings to you
Paula Mary Millar
The Shulamite Bride returned.
Hi Lance,
I just hung up from a family member that I became involved in a swift conflict with,one moment on the same page the next not!
I just asked the Lord to forgive me once AGAIN , asking for peace in the situation and to help me understand my part in it and to speak calm into my agitated spirit. Speaking peace into my home and into my being and joy to supercede this anger and judgement and feeling of being judged.
I feel the peace and love of God flowing thru me and now am going to listen to whole tones and worship music from Jeruselem. I think the enemy is really trying to stir our pots big time and cause strife in families, No! I will not allow the enemy space in my head or heart. Taking by a break from FB as well so will catch you on you tube, my vote for Trump has agitated friends and family , and I must say my piece which I have and now no more until election time.
A real line is being drawn over HRC and Mr Trump. Must take a rest. God is in control, his name alone Glorified, and To him will I lift up my hands. singing to him of my love for him. You old slew foot you will not win!!
Back in 2008 the devil over-played his hand by tormenting me about a mistake I MIGHT have made. I’d think it through and conclude everything was OK, but again tormenting thoughts entered my mind. Then I realized what was happening. Verses like:
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.
and
James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
After doing that, I had peace. Now, anytime I notice the slightest bit of torment… like last weekend, I know what is happening and I rebuke the devil and peace comes.
Thanks for giving us a complete framework to use in the future.