Daily Delight

I woke up in bed feeling hands tightened around my neck, so strong that I couldn’t scream. I was terrified. Another shattering episode of spiritual warfare had overtaken me, and I felt powerless.
After I gave my life to Christ, I started experiencing night terrors and sleep paralysis. While it’s difficult to explain exactly what happened, I felt—and thought I saw—an evil presence in my room. Needless to say, I dreaded sleeping. 

Some time passed before I mentioned the experiences to my parents. My dad, who had also recently been saved, shared that he was having nightmares unlike anything he’d ever dreamt, and he believed we were both battling spiritual warfare. This term was new to me, and after exploring it, I concluded that Satan was angry I’d come to Christ and was punishing me while I slept. However, the terrors continued for years. 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

-Romans 12:21 (NIV)

One night, I fell asleep reading and later woke to find my book lying face down, but I couldn’t move my body to reach for it. My shout was muffled through my closed mouth, so I thought in my mind, “Jesus, only Jesus!” 

The pressure on my body released, and feeling returned to my body. To overcome the evil, all I had to say—or think—was His good name, and the evil spirit left me. 

In whatever form it hits you, spiritual warfare is a deeply troubling experience. If you’re in a season of spiritual warfare, I encourage you to ask God why it’s happening. The book I was reading that night was a story of murder. I eventually removed that title and other books from my home that I believed might contribute to the spiritual warfare. Since then, the terrors haven’t returned.
For those of you who feel powerless from spiritual warfare, I pray you’ll believe and live out these words: 

The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 

-Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

Never, ever, be afraid to call out Jesus’ name. He hears you every time. 

{photo: @chinahardin} 

About the Author

Lindsay Weiskittel≫ ≫ Raised in the Mitten state, Lindsay’s love for the written word began at a very young age—in fact, you could often find her with a pad of paper, penning what she dreamed would someday become the next great American novel. After graduating college, a new adventure awaited in NYC, where she pursued a career in book publishing. Almost four years later, God called her back home to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she currently resides and works as a writer and editor. Many things bring Lindsay joy these days, including fellowship with her friends, cheering on the Michigan State Spartans, the perfect cup of Earl Grey tea and planning a wedding with the amazing man God designed for her.