By Cassandra Boyson
At creation, Satan detonated a weapon upon all mankind. But upon becoming Christians, most have no idea they’ve just enlisted for the opposing side. All of life is a battleground, but all of Christianity is about becoming a warrior in that battle. At the crucifixion and resurrection, war was declared and it was declared for one reason: We have an enemy and he is vicious.
As heroes of faith, we both throw over tables in the face of injustice and turn the other cheek. We do not cast our pearls before swine, yet we go the extra mile when asked a favor. We are generous with our fellow man… but not with their demons. Unfortunately, they manifest them on a daily basis. That is when we must decide to come against the enemy’s use of our brother or sister, which is often much simpler than some may think.
When I was a child, I sometimes returned home from friend’s houses with tales of how I’d been poorly treated. My mother always instructed me, the next time this occurred, to immediately get away somewhere I could take authority over the enemy. It was as simple as, “In Jesus name, you stop it right now!” The very first instance I attempted it, the result played out as a miracle before my eyes. Suddenly, not only was I being treated with respect, I was favored and treated like a guest of honor.
As I’ve grown older, I learned to use my authority in all situations. When the enemy is coming against myself or another person, I instantly go into demon-rebuking mode. And it helps if you can get angry with Satan, because it works as a power boost and better directs our focus. After all, one would not go to war and lightly tap their sword into the enemy. You’re desperate for survival. You put some vigor into it. Therefore, we have not only the right to respond to demons with fury and passion, but it is our duty as spirit-warriors.
Jesus: Man of War
Something the apostles often mention in but a sentence is Jesus’ habit of getting some time alone to pray. This was where the magic happened. He spent time in prayer and intercession, warring against the powers of darkness and championing for the powers of light. Moreover, he re-centered in God’s presence. Because without time with Him, we burn out emotionally and supernaturally. It’s like making tea; the longer we soak in His presence, the stronger we become… and the more potent our authority.
Jesus understood the necessity of charging up in the Father’s company so he could go on fulfilling his call. So, after his time of intercession and soaking, he was free to go about doing what he did best. He rebuked demons and righted wrongs. He performed all kinds of miracles and basically turned Satan’s hold upside down wherever he went.
Because he was a man of war in the supernatural realm (praying, commanding demons, etc.), he could afford to be a man of peace in the natural.
We’ve Enlisted
The world is at spiritual war, so I look at those who do not know Christ as civilians. And choosing Christianity is not choosing comfort, because it will not always be comfortable. We’ve enlisted. And when we join a church, it is not a safehouse, much as we would love it to be. It can stand as a place of refuge – especially if you find a place that will battle with you in prayer, or at least feed your spirit. But unfortunately, Satan works in overtime to get us out of those pews. He loathes and fears a united body. But part of being a warrior is often fighting to remain in the place we’ve been called. Sometimes our duty as soldiers is merely to hang in there and “Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out” (Eph 6:18).
Ephesians 6:13-20
The picture of a warrior’s life is clearly depicted here:
“Put on all the armor God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit. Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.”
In other words, welcome to the battlefield, Christian soldier! Throw on your armor and let’s go pray together, tearing down demonic activity and righting wrongs wherever we go. The going will be tough, but we walk in the authority of Jesus’ name and the love of the Father. And since clinging to Him through thick and thin makes us indestructible, we’ll make the enemy pay for attempting to destroy all the King cherishes.
Example Prayer for When Under Demonic Abuse
In the name of Jesus, I rebuke every demon influencing me and the world around me and I send you into the pit of hell, right now! I summon angels to affect my atmosphere with worship to the Father and protection over all that concerns me and mine. I submit myself into the care and will of God. I pray, God, You would open a heavenly portal over me to let Your kingdom come and will be done in all that affects me and those You love!