And Jesus said to them, “This kind of demon cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” – Mark 9:29
Have you ever asked someone a question who in their response tried to answer like they were an expert but in the back of your mind you realized this individual doesn’t have a clue? Well, Jesus’ disciples, particularly Simon Peter gave off this vibe. However, one day during an unusual encounter, Peter met his match, unable to help a desperate soul escape the demons of his past.
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”- Matthew 12:43-45
In the passage above, its hard to distinguish if Jesus is referring to an actual event or merely using a parable to prove a point. Nonetheless, this image does apply to anyone who has ever battled some sort of addiction. Numerous times people say they want to stop their bad habit, yet a mysterious force places each on the verge of temptation day after day. Thus, whenever you break free of these grips and began to clean up your temple, the human body, demons won’t give up without a fight. Therefore, its essential to have a game plan to counter demonic oppression.
Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:7-8
While King David faced his own demons, three answers were revealed after the prayer above. First, David realized the more time he spent reading the Bible, God’s unfailing love would replace the guilt down deep in his heart. Second, David recognized he couldn’t achieve victory over the demons of his past without initially trusting in the Lord’s power. Finally, listening to the Holy Spirit for direction and guidance could begin to turn his life around. If this blog finds you losing to your past, may the words of the Bible lift you up, give you hope and help you escape the demons of your past.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 