General Supernatural Manifestations: Dreams, Visions, Trances 8

Supernatural Experiences can be copied by the devil and by our own soulical power. But do we stop using twenty-dollar bills because there are counterfeit twenty-dollar bills out there? NO! We simply learn to find ways to distinguish between what is real and what merely appears to be real. Likewise we approach our learning on the same principle of asking the Lord to teach us, then showing up for class. By now the phrases, “Lord, is that you?” and “Lord, what does this mean?” should jump to your mind every time you encounter something new. We can therefore move forward with confidence that God won’t get us into something that HE can’t handle (though I guarantee He’ll eventually set you down in the middle of something YOU can’t handle!).

Warfare with the Demonic 

Throughout history there have been individuals, and occasionally a group or movement, that have for at least a time learned to rest in dependence on the Lord unconditionally. This has made them targets for the enemy, and we can learn much from them. There have also been many groups that have exalted the influence of the devil as equal to, and sometimes greater than, the absolute authority and influence of the Lord Himself. Though some of what these have learned may be interesting and helpful, their teachings and insights will need to be especially scrutinized. Why? Because our goals are different! We are not learning how to defeat the enemy to please God, win souls or for rewards in heaven, but because it is part of our training as sons, since we already please God, are expressing His life, and are experiencing eternal life now. If the emphasis is on our being able to do something a certain way or using the right words, the success of the encounter will rely on our strength, memory and ability to apply what others have taught.