I'm not all that well-versed in religious matters, but I'm forever amazed at God's timing and His love.
My church offers The Lord's Supper (Communion) only a few times each year. My pastor's feeling is that doing it rarely, like a quarterly basis, emphasizes that it is a sacred thing. I agree that it is sacred and should be treated as such. I think that, more important than treating the act with reverence, is the condition of the heart in those who choose to partake. That's where this blog post was born, but more on that later.
For those of you who don't know, The Lord's Supper (also called Communion) is the act in which the congregation mimics the final meal that Jesus shared with His disciples on the eve of His sacrifice. We share bread, crackers, or wafers (depends on the church) as a symbol of His body. . .the body that was broken for our sins. We also share wine or juice (again, depends on the church) as a symbol of his blood. . .the blood that was spilled as a once-and-forever sacrifice to lift away our sins and reconcile us to God.
I won't even begin to try to tackle whether the bread is the actual body of Christ or whether the wine is the actual blood of Christ because I don't want to start a Holy War. Different denominations believe different things on that matter. Let's just let that discussion lie while we move right along, shall we?
The Lord's Supper was offered at my church yesterday and I felt bothered when I noticed the platters of broken matzoh and the communion cups of grape juice. I was surprised at my negative response because that had never happened to me before. I actually wanted to leave the sanctuary and excuse myself from the entire service.
My pastor explained the history of this act and the reason why Christians do this in remembrance of Him. He also included some verses that helped enlighten me. Specifically, he spoke about unconfessed sin as it relates to the condition of the heart.
Then it hit me. I didn't want to cast a light on my heart. I didn't want to do any reflection or confession.
Why? Because I wanted to cling to the sins that had taken up residence in my heart and that's why I was bothered at the notion of participating in The Lord's Supper. I knew that I should not partake if I was still willfully holding those sins and I understand the importance of asking God's forgiveness for any and ALL unconfessed sins. It only hit me yesterday morning that I had a lot of unconfessed sin in my heart.
Sure, sins of the heart might seem like lesser sins than sins of the flesh, but the Bible is very clear on this: sin is sin is sin. Sins of the heart are weighted as heavily as sins of the flesh. Both are sins and both need to be confessed.
For various reasons (travel, illness, nursery duty), I've been away from church for a few weeks. It seems like an odd coincidence that my first week back to church is a service built around The Lord's Supper and the need to sweep sin from your heart. But is it all that odd? No, not really. . .it's just God's perfect timing at work.
I needed to be reminded that the smallest bit of sin in the heart can spread and grow if left unchecked. I needed to confess and turn away from that sin that had taken up residence in my heart. God, in His perfect love, gave me the conviction that I needed and I needed that conviction to get right with Him.
It's been a rough several months for me. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The other two are directly impacted by my spiritual health. When my spirit is nourished, my emotions are positive. And, when I feel good in my mind, my body follows.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I had been feeling spiritually barren for several weeks. Not neglected or unloved by God. . .almost the opposite. I felt more like a snotty teenager who doesn't want to do what their loving parents say is the right thing to do. My spiritual drought allowed me to ignore what I know was right and contemplate whatever the heck I wanted. Naturally, that lead to further feelings of separation and spiritual dryness. It quickly became a never-ending cycle that repeated over and over and over again.
Christians, is there something weighing heavily on your heart today? Don't try to deal with it alone or give in to spiritual chaos. Take it to God and feel at peace once again.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Losing Hope in a Miracle
I began to mentally outline a blog post this afternoon, but I started feeling lousy a few hours ago and that post isn't going to happen tonight.
I began to feel ill early this evening and experienced slight bleeding, staining is probably a better term, and I was sure that my body was going to release my poor baby tonight. I was overcome with weakness afterward and I had to lie down for a rest as my legs were trembling just from the effort to stand up. It felt like the muscle exhaustion that accompanies the flu, but I think it was nerves because I'm absolutely terrified to see the remains of my baby. But the bleeding unexpectedly stopped as quickly as it showed up.
I currently have a nagging ache in my lower back and my stomach is cramping up periodically. I'm feeling a constant pressure from the base of my ribs to the bottom of my pelvis. It almost feels like I'm wearing a too-tight girdle. I ate too much at lunch so it could just be gas. Or maybe the meals I consumed today just aren't digesting very effectively. Or it could be a symptom that this miscarriage is going to be complete soon.
I began to lose pregnancy symptoms a couple of days ago. It's wonderful and horrible that I no longer suffer crippling nausea every morning and painfully tender breasts are no longer making it difficult to give or accept hugs. I suppose the lack of any obvious outward symptoms will force me to come to grips with the fact that the ultrasounds weren't wrong and that, though my baby is still inside of me, this pregnancy has ended.
I can't help but continue to pray for this baby, for this pregnancy to somehow continue and yield a perfectly healthy baby in 29 more weeks. My faith has been praised, but I'm losing hope in a miracle. I guess my faith isn't so great after all.
It's been more than a week since my baby died and I have to believe that my body will let go of my baby one day soon. How I dread that day.
I began to feel ill early this evening and experienced slight bleeding, staining is probably a better term, and I was sure that my body was going to release my poor baby tonight. I was overcome with weakness afterward and I had to lie down for a rest as my legs were trembling just from the effort to stand up. It felt like the muscle exhaustion that accompanies the flu, but I think it was nerves because I'm absolutely terrified to see the remains of my baby. But the bleeding unexpectedly stopped as quickly as it showed up.
I currently have a nagging ache in my lower back and my stomach is cramping up periodically. I'm feeling a constant pressure from the base of my ribs to the bottom of my pelvis. It almost feels like I'm wearing a too-tight girdle. I ate too much at lunch so it could just be gas. Or maybe the meals I consumed today just aren't digesting very effectively. Or it could be a symptom that this miscarriage is going to be complete soon.
I began to lose pregnancy symptoms a couple of days ago. It's wonderful and horrible that I no longer suffer crippling nausea every morning and painfully tender breasts are no longer making it difficult to give or accept hugs. I suppose the lack of any obvious outward symptoms will force me to come to grips with the fact that the ultrasounds weren't wrong and that, though my baby is still inside of me, this pregnancy has ended.
I can't help but continue to pray for this baby, for this pregnancy to somehow continue and yield a perfectly healthy baby in 29 more weeks. My faith has been praised, but I'm losing hope in a miracle. I guess my faith isn't so great after all.
It's been more than a week since my baby died and I have to believe that my body will let go of my baby one day soon. How I dread that day.
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Blessings in Suffering
Today I had a couple of quick exchanges with a few friends about my current situation. I still haven't started to pass my baby and it's making me sadder as the days go by. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that my baby lost it's heartbeat a week ago and my body still can't let it go.
At risk of sounding like a braggart, I led a remarkably charmed life for several years. I enjoyed more happiness and joy than I could ever deserve. I didn't have much in the way of pain or suffering and, as a result, I had grown quite fat and lazy from a spiritual and emotional standpoint. That's not really a good place to be in my opinion and it's good that I've been tested and refined in this last year.
Regular readers of this blog know that there has been significant heartbreak in my life in the last twelve months. I haven't written about everything that has happened because it would be inappropriate for me to share, but there has been a lot more that I haven't even breathed a word about in this blog. Yes, believe it or not, there are some things that even I think are important to keep hidden, secret, and out of print.
I have wondered more than once if the things that I've been whining about are just normal things that happen all the time to everyone else, but I've had many people agree that it does appear that my family has been under attack with spectacularly difficult challenges in the last twelve-months. What should I make of this realization that we have been hit by this onslaught? Should I feel that God doesn't care about my faithfulness? Should I feel abandoned by God? Should I be mad at God? Should I turn away from God and lean on my own understanding?
I faithfully (get it?!) submit that I should still find a way to give thanks for these painful circumstances. Am I crazy? I don't think so and I don't think that any Christian would. Great growth tends to come after great suffering. Imagine how much growth I'm going to be blessed with when these trials are over! I'm convinced that this great suffering is preparing me for completing great works.
God is in everything. Everything! And, if we let Him, He can use anything for good. Yes, even the death of this much loved and wanted baby can be used for good in God's name! There is already good in this suffering. Rather than turning away from God during these difficult times, I've grown closer to Him. My faith has been strengthened although my emotions have been battered.
I hope that I continue to lean on Him because there's no way I'd be able to handle these challenges on my own. I didn't become a Christian until I was in my mid-20s and I know for a fact that I would be completely broken if I was dealing with all of this while spiritually adrift. I was in a perfect position, spiritually, to experience the events of the last twelve months because I had learned of God's true love. It's not an accident that this testing happened after I accepted Christ in my heart.
I know what I want, but that doesn't mean that it's the right time (if you will) and I don't have the benefit of God's vision so I can't even second guess what's been happening because I don't have all the information to form an educated opinion. I hope that never-ending sentence made sense! I don't doubt that blessings will return to my life (and, really, I am still being marvelously blessed!) and I will rejoice and give Him the thanks when that day comes!
At risk of sounding like a braggart, I led a remarkably charmed life for several years. I enjoyed more happiness and joy than I could ever deserve. I didn't have much in the way of pain or suffering and, as a result, I had grown quite fat and lazy from a spiritual and emotional standpoint. That's not really a good place to be in my opinion and it's good that I've been tested and refined in this last year.
Regular readers of this blog know that there has been significant heartbreak in my life in the last twelve months. I haven't written about everything that has happened because it would be inappropriate for me to share, but there has been a lot more that I haven't even breathed a word about in this blog. Yes, believe it or not, there are some things that even I think are important to keep hidden, secret, and out of print.
I have wondered more than once if the things that I've been whining about are just normal things that happen all the time to everyone else, but I've had many people agree that it does appear that my family has been under attack with spectacularly difficult challenges in the last twelve-months. What should I make of this realization that we have been hit by this onslaught? Should I feel that God doesn't care about my faithfulness? Should I feel abandoned by God? Should I be mad at God? Should I turn away from God and lean on my own understanding?
I faithfully (get it?!) submit that I should still find a way to give thanks for these painful circumstances. Am I crazy? I don't think so and I don't think that any Christian would. Great growth tends to come after great suffering. Imagine how much growth I'm going to be blessed with when these trials are over! I'm convinced that this great suffering is preparing me for completing great works.
God is in everything. Everything! And, if we let Him, He can use anything for good. Yes, even the death of this much loved and wanted baby can be used for good in God's name! There is already good in this suffering. Rather than turning away from God during these difficult times, I've grown closer to Him. My faith has been strengthened although my emotions have been battered.
I hope that I continue to lean on Him because there's no way I'd be able to handle these challenges on my own. I didn't become a Christian until I was in my mid-20s and I know for a fact that I would be completely broken if I was dealing with all of this while spiritually adrift. I was in a perfect position, spiritually, to experience the events of the last twelve months because I had learned of God's true love. It's not an accident that this testing happened after I accepted Christ in my heart.
I know what I want, but that doesn't mean that it's the right time (if you will) and I don't have the benefit of God's vision so I can't even second guess what's been happening because I don't have all the information to form an educated opinion. I hope that never-ending sentence made sense! I don't doubt that blessings will return to my life (and, really, I am still being marvelously blessed!) and I will rejoice and give Him the thanks when that day comes!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
How Much is Too Much?
The act of tithing recently came up in passing with a family member. They expressed surprise at the percentage of my income that I tithed when I worked for wages. No, not just surprise. Their mouth actually hung agape for a moment at my revelation. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, I shut my trap on the topic and changed the subject. And it wasn't even an outrageously high percentage!
Tithing, for those of you not in the know, is cheerful giving to God. It most likely is given to a church that the believer attends, but I have also heard of others who give tithes to charities they support. A Christian doesn't necessarily tithe and a giver isn't necessarily a Christian.
The percentage of income historically tossed out as an appropriate tithe is only 10%. In my research for this post, I've seen it suggested that most Christians only tithe 3% of their income.
My theory on tithing has always been this: Everything I have is a gift from God. I might have worked hard and hustled my buns, but He ultimately can take it all away in the blink of an eye. Additionally, I might be frugal in a lot of ways, but I can never be cheap with the One who has given me the gift of eternal life, the One who has blessed me with all that I have been given.
Here are some common questions I've heard (and asked in my pre-Christian days) about tithing:
~ Does tithing buy your way to Heaven? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Only faith in Jesus as the only payment for our sins is required to join the Heavenly Host.
~ Does tithing make one Christian better than another? Absolutely not! Frankly, a Christian should not make a big deal about whatever amount they happen to tithe because tithing is between the giver and God.
~ Does your church rely on your tithing to operate? Absolutely YES!
~ My "god" doesn't need cash, why does yours? and Is tithing an obligation? Tithing isn't required for salvation, but a churched Christian will recognize that their church does not operate by prayer alone and most would want to give in order to support their pastors, building operations, any missions offerings, and other outreach programs.
~ Don't preachers just fleece their flock and rip off the tithes? If you even remotely suspect your church leaders of financial impropriety, you really must find a new church. It has been my experience that most men of God lead fiscally responsible lives since they have to rely upon the donations of the church membership for their salary.
~ I don't like some of the things my church supports so why should I give a tithe? I might suggest that you either find a church that you 100% agree with philosophically or you simply accept that you will never find 100% agreement with any organization.
~ Do church visitors have to pay? No, though they may donate whatever they'd like. Supporting the church is the sole responsibility of the church membership.
Prior to my son's birth, I was on the financial committee for my church and I can attest that some very good Bible-teaching churches operate on a shoestring budget. The widow's mite doesn't just bless the widow, it blesses her church. That's not to say that the church expects to have all that you can offer, it's to say that offering all that you can will bless you and your church. Here's to being cheerful givers!
Tithing, for those of you not in the know, is cheerful giving to God. It most likely is given to a church that the believer attends, but I have also heard of others who give tithes to charities they support. A Christian doesn't necessarily tithe and a giver isn't necessarily a Christian.
The percentage of income historically tossed out as an appropriate tithe is only 10%. In my research for this post, I've seen it suggested that most Christians only tithe 3% of their income.
My theory on tithing has always been this: Everything I have is a gift from God. I might have worked hard and hustled my buns, but He ultimately can take it all away in the blink of an eye. Additionally, I might be frugal in a lot of ways, but I can never be cheap with the One who has given me the gift of eternal life, the One who has blessed me with all that I have been given.
Here are some common questions I've heard (and asked in my pre-Christian days) about tithing:
~ Does tithing buy your way to Heaven? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Only faith in Jesus as the only payment for our sins is required to join the Heavenly Host.
~ Does tithing make one Christian better than another? Absolutely not! Frankly, a Christian should not make a big deal about whatever amount they happen to tithe because tithing is between the giver and God.
~ Does your church rely on your tithing to operate? Absolutely YES!
~ My "god" doesn't need cash, why does yours? and Is tithing an obligation? Tithing isn't required for salvation, but a churched Christian will recognize that their church does not operate by prayer alone and most would want to give in order to support their pastors, building operations, any missions offerings, and other outreach programs.
~ Don't preachers just fleece their flock and rip off the tithes? If you even remotely suspect your church leaders of financial impropriety, you really must find a new church. It has been my experience that most men of God lead fiscally responsible lives since they have to rely upon the donations of the church membership for their salary.
~ I don't like some of the things my church supports so why should I give a tithe? I might suggest that you either find a church that you 100% agree with philosophically or you simply accept that you will never find 100% agreement with any organization.
~ Do church visitors have to pay? No, though they may donate whatever they'd like. Supporting the church is the sole responsibility of the church membership.
Prior to my son's birth, I was on the financial committee for my church and I can attest that some very good Bible-teaching churches operate on a shoestring budget. The widow's mite doesn't just bless the widow, it blesses her church. That's not to say that the church expects to have all that you can offer, it's to say that offering all that you can will bless you and your church. Here's to being cheerful givers!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Dream a Little Dream
I've been having bad dreams lately. In general, they have to do with not being able to protect myself or my son. Almost all of them involve me being attacked in our home and either not being able to find one of our firearms or, inexplicably, not knowing how to use it.
I tend to wake up just as I realize that I'm unable to defend myself against this intruder. I'm willing to use deadly force so I suspect that these attacks in my dreams are likely to end in my death. I think these dreams are highlighting that I can't necessarily control everything that happens, particularly life or death.
The message is unsettling, to be sure, but it is the truth. I've been trying to conceive for 18-months with no luck yet so I obviously don't control life. The sudden loss of my only brother last month demonstrates that I sure don't control death either.
I had a very strange dream last night. It didn't quite follow the standard dream formula that I've been experiencing lately. After mulling it over for a bit, it actually left me feeling pretty good.
I dreamt that I was walking with my son in the jogging stroller and that a man asked me for money. I said I did not have any and he attacked me, trying to get to my handbag. I was able to run away, but he somehow tripped me up and I landed face down on the sidewalk. The stroller began to turn and I thought it might roll away. I knew if this happened that my son would end up in traffic and I saw red. I grabbed the tire pump (which is located in the basket below) and I clocked the perp. Then I launched myself at him and we fell next to a brick planter. I began to choke him and beat his head against the bricks. He fought to escape and I grabbed his wallet as he ran away. I grabbed my son and started calling the police with my attacker's drivers license information. Suddenly I noticed that he was returning with a gun. Holding my son against my chest, I ran. I ended up shot three times; my rear, my shoulder, and the top part of my ear. Fast forward to this Thursday (funny how dreams do that, huh?) and I asked a friend to take my son to a Trick or Treat event since I was unable to attend. She asked why and I explained that I had been shot on Tuesday. I added that "God was looking out for me." She asked how I figured, after all, I had been shot three times and could have been killed. I explained that I'm still here and I'm going to be okay.
You don't have to look real deep to see what I think this dream means. Yes, I've been wounded. I've been wounded on many fronts in this last year. I'm hurting emotionally and mentally. Sometimes physically and sometimes spiritually. But these wounds, though they may hurt and oh how they do hurt, they aren't lethal. I'm still here and I'm going to be okay because God is looking out for me.
Sitting here with that realization, all I can say is: Hallelujah!
I tend to wake up just as I realize that I'm unable to defend myself against this intruder. I'm willing to use deadly force so I suspect that these attacks in my dreams are likely to end in my death. I think these dreams are highlighting that I can't necessarily control everything that happens, particularly life or death.
The message is unsettling, to be sure, but it is the truth. I've been trying to conceive for 18-months with no luck yet so I obviously don't control life. The sudden loss of my only brother last month demonstrates that I sure don't control death either.
* * *
I had a very strange dream last night. It didn't quite follow the standard dream formula that I've been experiencing lately. After mulling it over for a bit, it actually left me feeling pretty good.
I dreamt that I was walking with my son in the jogging stroller and that a man asked me for money. I said I did not have any and he attacked me, trying to get to my handbag. I was able to run away, but he somehow tripped me up and I landed face down on the sidewalk. The stroller began to turn and I thought it might roll away. I knew if this happened that my son would end up in traffic and I saw red. I grabbed the tire pump (which is located in the basket below) and I clocked the perp. Then I launched myself at him and we fell next to a brick planter. I began to choke him and beat his head against the bricks. He fought to escape and I grabbed his wallet as he ran away. I grabbed my son and started calling the police with my attacker's drivers license information. Suddenly I noticed that he was returning with a gun. Holding my son against my chest, I ran. I ended up shot three times; my rear, my shoulder, and the top part of my ear. Fast forward to this Thursday (funny how dreams do that, huh?) and I asked a friend to take my son to a Trick or Treat event since I was unable to attend. She asked why and I explained that I had been shot on Tuesday. I added that "God was looking out for me." She asked how I figured, after all, I had been shot three times and could have been killed. I explained that I'm still here and I'm going to be okay.
You don't have to look real deep to see what I think this dream means. Yes, I've been wounded. I've been wounded on many fronts in this last year. I'm hurting emotionally and mentally. Sometimes physically and sometimes spiritually. But these wounds, though they may hurt and oh how they do hurt, they aren't lethal. I'm still here and I'm going to be okay because God is looking out for me.
Sitting here with that realization, all I can say is: Hallelujah!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Now I Believe that Demonic Influences Exist
I spent many years running from God. I filled the God-shaped hole in my heart with all sorts of unpleasant substances and I chose to embrace substitute religions in my quest to find spiritual truth. I was an angry young woman for a very long time, prone to fits of rage that would burst forth with very little provocation.
I didn't just reject God, I was openly hostile toward Him. I actively tried to debunk the "lies of man" contained in the Bible. Being full of post-feminist bullshit, I ignorantly maintained that Christianity subjugates women.
I became a Christian in my mid-20s. I was taking a class about the Gospel. I was so sure that I'd learn even more about it and have further evidence to back my claims that Christianity was an emotional crutch used by the weak-minded and intellectually inferior masses. I sound like I was a real treat to hang with, huh?
Long story short, I converted while in that class. I've regretted many things in my life, but I've never regretted giving my soul to Christ. I believe the Bible. I believe that it is the inspired Word of God.
But there are certain things in the Bible that left me cold. Demonic possession, for one. I can believe that such things happened in biblical times, but it was hard for me to believe that demonic influences still exist today. However, a couple of things have changed my mind on the topic.
I have friends who are missionaries in the Dominican Republic. They were some of the first people who learned that I was pregnant with my son. They are two very sweet, down to earth people. They are very faithful and loving. Most importantly, they don't seem prone to exaggeration.
I've been following their blog about their seed-planting in the DR for over a year now. It's informative and immensely helpful to know what specific prayers they need. As they like to remind us in e-mails, we are holding the rope while they go down into the pit.
In their blog, he detailed an encounter with a young man. It was an odd encounter from the beginning. As I read the post, I realized that there was a spiritual battle going on for this individual's soul. When my friend asked to whom he was speaking, the demon identified himself by name. I couldn't help but recall Jesus' encounter with Legion.
I'd easily dismiss this encounter if my friend was only looking for something interesting to post, but I don't believe that was his purpose. He's not a writer, he's not crafting a fine story. He wants to communicate the real needs that he needs addressed through prayer. I believe that he did have a confrontation with a demon and that this young man was being tormented by a very real force of evil.
The other thing that makes me believe in demonic possession is a little hard to explain because I must maintain some anonymity, but try to follow me. Abusing mind-altering substances opens yourself to demonic influence. I'm not saying having a few drinks means that you are under demonic control, but I am saying that consistently overindulging might mean that something else is at work in your life.
I know someone who has been suffering with addiction for several years. This individual was someone who was generous, industrious, and always in control of themselves. Addiction has left this individual's life in shambles. Once the hardest-working individual I have ever known, now this individual can hardly write their own name. This individual is physically abusive toward themselves, this individual speaks to people/things that aren't visible or just don't exist, their personality has completely changed - even when they aren't under the influence. This individual has become unbearably unpleasant to be around because all they seem to care about is remaining under the influence. I wonder now, under the influence of what exactly?
I believe in demonic possession. I think I've witnessed it with my own two eyes. . .
I didn't just reject God, I was openly hostile toward Him. I actively tried to debunk the "lies of man" contained in the Bible. Being full of post-feminist bullshit, I ignorantly maintained that Christianity subjugates women.
I became a Christian in my mid-20s. I was taking a class about the Gospel. I was so sure that I'd learn even more about it and have further evidence to back my claims that Christianity was an emotional crutch used by the weak-minded and intellectually inferior masses. I sound like I was a real treat to hang with, huh?
Long story short, I converted while in that class. I've regretted many things in my life, but I've never regretted giving my soul to Christ. I believe the Bible. I believe that it is the inspired Word of God.
But there are certain things in the Bible that left me cold. Demonic possession, for one. I can believe that such things happened in biblical times, but it was hard for me to believe that demonic influences still exist today. However, a couple of things have changed my mind on the topic.
I have friends who are missionaries in the Dominican Republic. They were some of the first people who learned that I was pregnant with my son. They are two very sweet, down to earth people. They are very faithful and loving. Most importantly, they don't seem prone to exaggeration.
I've been following their blog about their seed-planting in the DR for over a year now. It's informative and immensely helpful to know what specific prayers they need. As they like to remind us in e-mails, we are holding the rope while they go down into the pit.
In their blog, he detailed an encounter with a young man. It was an odd encounter from the beginning. As I read the post, I realized that there was a spiritual battle going on for this individual's soul. When my friend asked to whom he was speaking, the demon identified himself by name. I couldn't help but recall Jesus' encounter with Legion.
I'd easily dismiss this encounter if my friend was only looking for something interesting to post, but I don't believe that was his purpose. He's not a writer, he's not crafting a fine story. He wants to communicate the real needs that he needs addressed through prayer. I believe that he did have a confrontation with a demon and that this young man was being tormented by a very real force of evil.
The other thing that makes me believe in demonic possession is a little hard to explain because I must maintain some anonymity, but try to follow me. Abusing mind-altering substances opens yourself to demonic influence. I'm not saying having a few drinks means that you are under demonic control, but I am saying that consistently overindulging might mean that something else is at work in your life.
I know someone who has been suffering with addiction for several years. This individual was someone who was generous, industrious, and always in control of themselves. Addiction has left this individual's life in shambles. Once the hardest-working individual I have ever known, now this individual can hardly write their own name. This individual is physically abusive toward themselves, this individual speaks to people/things that aren't visible or just don't exist, their personality has completely changed - even when they aren't under the influence. This individual has become unbearably unpleasant to be around because all they seem to care about is remaining under the influence. I wonder now, under the influence of what exactly?
I believe in demonic possession. I think I've witnessed it with my own two eyes. . .
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