“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him, but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:12-17
Our weekly Christian devotional
I’m always a little leery of sharing my demonic experience. There’s so much skepticism when it comes to demonization; it would be rather strange if I felt totally at ease talking about it. Most people automatically assume that if you believe in demons or spirits you’re simply nuts.
But, I get it. If I hadn’t actually experienced demonic possession for myself I’m sure I’d be one of those skeptics, too. There’s a natural hesitation to believe in the unbelievable. In today’s world of ‘prove it to me’ proving demonic possession isn’t as simple as presenting exhibits A, B and C.
Despite the public doubters, many others have opened up and told me about their own demonic experiences. This almost always happens privately. And of course, I can sympathize. Many are fearful of how their friends and family will perceive them if they start speaking candidly about the supernatural.
Contrary to what I had seen at the movies, my demonic expulsion was a pretty lengthy process. The reason it took so long was because I had no one to help me the expel demons; it was up to me to figure it out on my own!
Unfortunately, I wasn’t a part of any community that believed something like this could actually happen in the twenty first century. Even the churches I approached for help didn’t come to my aid. I found this devastating–and odd! Whenever I read the Bible, it was hard to ignore the countless passages that mentioned demons being cast out.
How sad that even the church itself is afraid to touch this controversial topic! Most of them have no understanding of how to help a person who actually has demonic influences in their lives. Many are totally unaware of their own authority in Christ!
And, although all Believers have the power of Christ in them, if they don’t believe in it, that strength cannot be applied. Ignoring this hurts the whole congregation. Every one who is part of that church community suffers because of this lack of power. Isn’t the church supposed to be the very place anointed by God’s power?
I must admit, after everything I had seen and been through, it was extremely hard for me to go back to church. I believed in God. But church? Not so much. Thankfully, I now know that not every church that carries the label of “Christ” on it, actually operates in Christ’s words or ways.
Thank God for the Bible. It was the rock I clung to in my storm; the Bible was the only guide I had. Early on I learned that it and my faith in God was actually enough. I didn’t have the ‘luxury’ of the wisdom of men or even the theology of preachers to help me through it. It was the Bible, God and I.
Sometimes, after sharing my story, I see wide-eyes and heads bobbing in sympathy. I’m not going to lie–during those dark days of struggling with something that non one around me could understand, it was hard not to feel totally hopeless. I can’t tell you how many nights I desperately cried out to God, wondering why this was taking so long and if the torture would ever end.
But no matter how bad it got the reality is: My experience didn’t kill me. And, the strangest part of it all is— whenever I look back on it, I can’t help but feel total gratefulness for the whole shebang. Yes, the whole thing!
Of course, I’d never wish it on another, (even someone I’m not particularly fond of.) I truly believe God allowed this to happen to me in this particular fashion because He was equipping me. God gave me an education that no book or school could ever seer into my thick skull.
This kind of learning experience could have only happened through an actual physical encounter. This personal hell I survived not only prepared me to be able to help others, but also bonded me with the one who walked me though every dark day…, step by step, hand in hand…
Most people shudder at the very thought of their body as a housing unit for demonic entities. But, I beg to differ…having demons wasn’t the worst thing that could have happened to me; not discovering them and dying in my deception would have been.
The greatest gift God ever gave was to allow me to come to the end of myself. My dark demonic discovery was only the very beginning of my journey in knowing Him. Now I have a simple question for you. What will it take for you to realize you need God?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww9d_c-MVBw
“Dear Heavenly Father,
John 14:12-17 says that those who have the power of Jesus living on the inside of them will be able to perform greater miracles that even Jesus. This sounds so hard to believe. Help me to believe it. I give you all my doubts today.
Lord, a dark cloud has been following me throughout my whole life. I have always told myself that this is just the way life is. I have allowed my heart to get used to depression and hopelessness.
In the name of Jesus, I accept your gift of salvation. I release the spirits of torment, depression and oppression that have been holding my heart hostage. Lord, let your love flow over my body, soul and spirit. Heal me in those places that have caused my spiritual blindness.
I give up the sins of bitterness, resentment, unbelief, fear, doubt and rebellion. I ask for a humble heart and one that is willing to submit to the healing power of your love.
Help me, Lord. I’m weak. I need your strength. Love me, Lord. I’m sad. I feel alone and afraid.
Help me to find a church community that has an understanding of the power of Christ’s name and His blood. Guide me to the right one, Lord. Help me to be encouraged and not give up the search.
In Jesus’ precious name, baptize me with your Holy Spirit and let the presence of God gird me up with a new strength to fight the good fight of this life. Amen.”
Thank you for reading our weekly Christian devotional on verses: John 14:12-17
Please check back and see what we have for you next week!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan