Most of my life I didn’t know that witches were real outside of stories, but over the course of the last year, Ephesians 6:12 has taken on a new meaning:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Many of the places that I have gone over the last year, have also given me eyes to see a small glimpse into what we, as believers, are up against. We serve the King of Light, and are ourselves to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). But we sometimes forget, or are unaware, that as believers, we are tasked to shine that light before others, so that glory will be given to God in heaven (Verse 16).
So, if we are to be the light, there must also be darkness that we are fighting…
Oftentimes, we underestimate this enemy, this darkness. For me, this has looked like apathy and distraction: wrestling against flesh and blood instead of focusing on who the real enemy is. I complained and argued and allowed bitterness to rise up against others, all the while playing into the enemy’s hand. That’s one of his shrewdest deceptions – pitting us against one another: race against race, political party against political party, denomination against denomination, country against country, belief against belief, identity against identity.
While we are caught up, he is taking opportunities to steal our lives, kill our spirits, and destroy our relationships with God and others.
But because of God, we can stand in the gap…
One day at ministry, we noticed a boy acting strangely, who on multiple occasions reached for the throat of one of my team members, to choke her. This was unusual because he was a happy and very sweet kid. My teammate was very discerning, and was intentional to pray over him, and have someone listen to things he was sharing (in Spanish). Long story short, he was seeing things…likely due to a next door neighbor performing witchcraft, who was his form of transportation home.
We gathered together as a ministry team and prayed over him, that he would be protected from whatever he has seen or been exposed to. Because our God is more powerful, and more often than not, we underestimate Him even more than the enemy…
It can be easy to underestimate the power of a lot of things: what we watch, what we listen to, and what we speak: “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” – Matthew 15:18
The things that we consume plant seeds (for light or darkness), and these will grow – if fostered – into thoughts, words, and actions. So, what would it look like for us to plant and foster GOOD SEEDS?
#1 Relinquish Darkness
For those of you who have practiced witchcraft; have experienced darkness; or allowed yourselves to be consumed by evil thoughts, words, or actions…there is HOPE! You are wanted, you are loved, and you are welcome:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. -John 3:16-21
#2 Choose Light
For me this has looked like preparing for battle by praying the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). He has equipped us with everything we need to fight, but it’s our choice whether we put on the armor or not.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” -Ephesians 6:10-18
Belt of Truth
- Holds everything firmly together
- Unwavering regardless of circumstances or emotions
Breastplate of Righteousness
- Confidence that when we were saved, the gift of righteousness (right-ness with God) became available and was exchanged for our sin!
Shoes for Your Feet
- Willing to go whatever direction He leads!
- ”readiness given by the gospel of peace”
Shield of Faith
- Extinguishes darts of the enemy
- Standing on faith does not allow the enemy’s attacks to stand
Helmet of Salvation
- Confidence that we have been saved
- Our lives are altered by the sacrifice and lordship of Christ
Sword of the Spirit
- Word of God
- Weapon that cuts deep
- If we’re connected → it can be deadly (to the enemy)
#3 Join Forces
Join together with someone you trust. Find help or give help to learn how to pray, seek God, or fight what seems like a losing battle. It might just be that “weird” person you said you would never talk to because they were a Jesus freak, but now you realize that you need their help.
If you don’t know anyone, feel free to contact me in any of the ways below. But if you are considering suicide or are in crisis please call 988 or text “HOME” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States – this will connect you with a trained crisis counselor right now.
WhatsApp: (252) 814-6126 / Email: [email protected] / Instagram: smr5988
In Christ,
Samantha
Such a fantastic blog and great verses. You and your stories have brought me such peace and happiness to know that God is out here changing lives! I praise God that He has put you on our squad and on my team. Your commitment to the Word and to God is so apparent!
Much Love and God Bless
Jaden
Powerful words of warning and encouragement; thank you, Samantha.
John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness but the darkness did not overcome it.”
John 1:16 “From the fullness of his grace, we have all received one blessing after another.”
God continue to provide His light and grace to others as you and your team serve to His glory.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and your honesty. We truly need to be reminded of facing our enemies and darkness with Gods strength. 1 Peter 4:8… This hope this love this grace that God has given us “light”, use to love and serve others with the gifts God has given us. You are definitely showing the light to others through your service, prayer and love.