Supernatural Manifestations - 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. For us, our success in the encounter will be determined on whether we depended on the Lord for instruction, strength and authority on a personal level in that particular situation. It’s all about our relationship with our Father, not about overcoming the devil. The more we focus on Him, the more He will set others and us free.

Having said that, the Lord will put in your path that which will provide you with the opportunity to learn what the Lord wants you to learn. As He does this, ask the Lord, for example, “Lord, is this from you?” and, “Lord, what do you want me to learn from this?” He is your teacher, guide, coach, instructor, mentor, captain, tutor, and has every training manual you need to accomplish His purpose for you now. The devil has been left on this earth as an object lesson, for you to test what you have learned, to prove that what the Lord is teaching really works.