This week, rather than hearing me preach (did I really say that?) I
want to share with you some "testimonies" regarding deliverance, which
were sent to me via e-mail. I selected these out of dozens of pieces, as
I think a lot of us can relate to the issues raised by the individuals
who wrote the letters. I know that the subject of deliverance (from
demons) is a hotly debated topic -- both within and without the
Christian community. In my opinion, much of what is called "deliverance"
is mere hypnotism. Yet the reality of demons is an absolute. In any
event, I'd be interested in getting your responses to the following
letters, as well as this subject in general. I have changed the names of
the letter writers.
Adrianne Legge
I had been a Roman Catholic for 30 years when my husband and I began
to attend Catholic "Christmatic" meetings. It was here we both became
born again, spirit-filled believers. As the spirit of God led us we
began to seek truth, for "God is a spirit and they that worship Him must
worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). After much conviction,
we finally decided to leave the Catholic Church.
After much searching we were led to a true, spirit-filled Christian
church. The pastor at this church told us that even though we were born
again, we could still be oppressed by demons. We found this hard to
accept, but nonetheless we allowed ourselves to be open to this
possibility.
I remember the first time I received prayer for deliverance. The
demons were really disturbed because I was shivering uncontrollably from
head to toe (although I was wearing a thick sweater). In the middle of
my renunciation of Catholicism, I felt a terrible sense of guilt.
Then a great number of spirits were called forth. One that came out
called itself "The Mother Of God." In my mind, I kept separating myself
from those under the power of the blood of Jesus. One by one, the
spirits left me. I couldn't physically see them, but as sure as I am
alive, I know this is true. When it was all over, I felt as if a great
grey cloud had been lifted from me.
Subsequently, I have gone through further deliverance sessions, and
continued to receive deliverance from other spirits. I know you may
think my experience runs counter to "standard Christian beliefs," but I
can say -- without doubt -- that each time I go through this experience,
I experience a new sense of lightness and feeling that I am back in the
"real world."
Karen Benniton
I have always been a terribly shy person and basically feared all
other people. I can remember that at times I would be so terrified that
I actually could not speak. I would open my mouth but no words would
come out. This extreme fear manifested itself into various and sundry
phobias -- finally I became a shut-in at one point not leaving my house
for 10 years.
At the point at which I wanted to kill myself I accepted the Lord.
Things began to change.
It seems as if the Lord has worked very slowly with me, just one step
at a time. He is very patient (even though I am often not). It has not
been an explosive, sudden change for me, but rather, a gradual one --
from deep inside, finally manifesting itself in behavioral changes.
How many years of seeing psychiatrists, of taking all the latest
anti-depressants ... and the truth is, none of it ever really worked.
Nothing worked until I met the Lord!
I also went through a deliverance ministry at my church. During one
session, I had a series of memories which I had obviously repressed. I
remembered my father spanking me, but also at the same time I knew that
he was sexually aroused. My father then told me that God was like him.
That is, God would love me as long as I did what my father said (he
later made me do sexual things with him) but God would hate me if I did
not obey my father. I believe that these incidents brought about the
phobias and depression that crippled me later in life.
The evil spirits that lived in me told me that God hated me, but of
course they were lying. That is what they do! For anyone going through
this, I can tell you that demons can make their lies seem terribly real!
But if you really really listen, you will hear the Lord's voice behind
all their sneering and chattering.
The Lord had been working in this area of my life for a long time --
to bring me to the place of deliverance. When I was completely desperate
He finally set me free. Of course the Lord is not finished with me yet.
I know I have a long way to go, but now I can rejoice and thank Him for
His goodness and His grace.
Ken Kray
I came from a home where no love was shown and my parents would favor
one child over the other. Because there was no love in my house I was
always depressed -- even as a child. I was full of self-pity, deep hurt
and guilt. I hated myself, because I thought everything was my fault.
At 19, I became saved. I've never looked back. I went through a
deliverance ministry which freed me from many of the demons that had
previously kept me bound. I began to see that my problems were caused by
voices in my head -- and these voices were not me.
It is not a one-step process to be delivered from demons. It takes
time. Not only did I have to be delivered from the demons that had taken
root in my spirit, but also from the demons of hate (I hated my parents)
that had hold of me. This spirit of unforgiveness hindered my
deliverance and I can tell you truly that it was not until I was willing
to give up and forgive completely that I was healed.
I write this to you because I know that there are many of your
readers out there who are like me, and I hope and pray that my testimony
will speak to them. I hope in one of your columns you will tell them
that it is absolutely necessary to forgive if they want to receive the
true healing that the Lord is ready to offer them.
As I said, these are only a small sample of the many communications
I've received. If you have personally been through a deliverance
ministry or program, I'd like to hear from you.
Until next week. ...