I wanted to share this conversation with a mom taking our class. I think it will help many of you (the lesson was on being spiritually clean).
MOM: “I have only seen a demonic spirit once, and I was about 16. I was briefly warned at some point and just commanded it to be gone in Jesus’ name. It fled immediately and dramatically, and my friend saw it too. Following that event, I was terrified that something bigger would come back to get me, and I wouldn’t be brave enough to make it leave.”
LISA: “It is amazing to me how powerful these events can be for a child (16 is still a child). If you came to me back then, I would praise you for using your authority over it, AND I would have encouraged you to ask Holy Spirit to fill you. The Bible says when we tell the bad to go, we must invite the good to come. You telling the bad to go but not filling yourself with Him left you vulnerable (fearing it would come back stronger). Had someone been able to help you pray for Him to cover and fill you, I do not think you would have battled the fear of its return. But now you know for your own sake and helping your children.”
MOM: “You articulate that the Holy Spirit was missing; it is obvious. Such a simple need but missing it has produced decades of timidity. Even when I was being bold, there was a lack of understanding, and I feel at peace now. My son had a bad dream one night, and my husband and I knew just what to do. We used our authority over the fear and invited the Holy Spirit, and he had a peaceful night.”
LISA: “I would go back to him and check in with him by saying something like, ‘Hey buddy, remember the other night when you were feeling scared? Have you had any thoughts like that again, or was it resolved?’ If it was resolved, help him to see how powerful the name of Jesus is and that He is always there for him in his time of need. If it has returned, you know what to do to help him so that it doesn’t follow him around for years. So proud of you!”
