A Call for Help

In our church, we were very blessed to have a group of youths who were passionate about the Great Commission. Indeed, many of them had been going out to the streets to heal the sick, to share the gospel, and to make disciples just as Jesus commanded. One particular youth had, to date, healed over 30 people, and had kickstarted (discipled) a handful of people to do the same. However, one day, he complained of something happening inside him that didn't feel right. He suspected that he may be under the influence of a demon.

This youth had been baptised both in water and in Holy Spirit. He was being used by God mightily to reach the lost on the streets (God uses people in spite of their weaknesses for the sake of advancing His kingdom on earth), yet there was an internal demonic battle within him. So he came to me for help, and with a team of 3 people (Rob, myself, and another youth), we performed a deliverance session for him.

Jezebel Identified

After the usual process of confessing all sins, asking God for forgiveness, forgiving and blessing enemies, making a stand for Jesus, we began to command the demon to leave him in the name of Jesus. The demon manifested. The youth started to cough, splutter, on the verge of vomiting (we were ready with a huge bucket). But despite all our commanding, the demon did not budge; it was stubborn and determined to stay.

The Holy Spirit then gave a word of knowledge - that the name of the demon was the spirit of Jezebel. So we called it by name, and commanded her to leave in the name of Jesus. But again, the demon stayed put and did not want to leave.

A Tough Warfare

Going for the sword of the Spirit (the word of God), we started to read the scriptures to the youth (Romans 5-8, all 3 chapters). The demonic manifestations increased as she (Jezebel) was being pierced by the sword of the Spirit. At the same time, these words were living waters for the youth. God spoke to the depth of his heart, and as the youth accepted these words, the Holy Spirit manifested. The youth felt tingling all over his body, he fell to his knees and started glorifying God, saying, "Jesus is Lord" which was very much in line with:

Philippians 2:9-11

⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

After a time, the demonic manifestations started to occur again. Instead of being on the verge of vomiting, the youth felt a strong grip around his head. All 3 of us could see the grip as she (Jezebel) was moving around his skull. So, we continued to attack again. The grip became weaker, but despite attacking for some time, there was no sign of her leaving. She was still there, stubborn as ever!

I sat quietly asking the Lord what was going on? Why was she still there? Why was she so stubborn and difficult to cast out? All the other previous cases were much easier, but this one was tough beyond measure!

Victory in Perseverance

Five hours had now passed, Rob started to feel hungry and wanted to buy some food. The youth also said that we could call it a day, and he would just keep reading the scriptures and ask God to help him. But I was not ready to give up, particularly as I knew the grip was getting weaker. So, I urged everyone to continue despite their hunger, and weariness. Thankfully everyone was willing, but we were all on our last drop of energy.

So, we continued to attack and gave all that we had... and then suddenly the youth shouted, "She's gone!" He moved his head every which way possible, and he could no longer feel her grip. It had taken 6 hours, but Jezebel was finally gone! Hallelujah!

Revelation on the Tough Warfare

The story did not end there. I pursued God for the answer to my question of why Jezebel was so difficult to cast out. The answer came three days later, clearly written in the scriptures:

Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

It was saying that there are two demonic realms: on earth (in this dark world), and in the heavenly realms. The spiritual war that we were involved in a few days ago spanned both earth and heaven. We were in conflict not only with demons on the earthly plane, but also those whose headquarters are in the heavenly realms. They were aware of what we were doing, and were determined to retain control over the youth, and use his life to oppose God's purpose. Consequently, our attempt to minister deliverance was fiercely resisted, not only by the demons in the youth, but also by the satanic forces in the heavenly realms operating through the youth; he was a "battleground".

The reason for the youth being a battle ground was because of the work he was already doing for the Kingdom of God; the street healing, and discipleship work. He was reaching people in the community; hence Satan marshalled his forces against him. Thankfully, Christ has gained victory for the youth, and for us also who ministered to him. For through Chris's atoning death and victorious resurrection, He has "disarmed principalities and powers" of Satan that opposed us.

Colossians 2:13-15

¹³ When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, ¹⁴ having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Thanks be to the Triune God who redeems and rescues!

© Elma Larsen. All rights reserved.