There is a journey beyond salvation. When you are in bondage in Egypt, and you get saved, you are meant to leave Egypt and all its ways behind and move into the promises of God. It’s a journey. It’s the process of sanctification. It’s transformative. It is meant to challenge you so that you can grow spiritually and break free of all the sins, sorrows, and burdens that are holding you back from living the abundant life you were created to live.

This doesn’t just apply to individuals. Nations, too, are supposed to move from the bondage of Egypt to the blessings of the Promised Land.

The Divide

This is a word from the Lord I released on January 27, 2021:

As part of the church chooses to cower in darkness and ignorance, double-mindedness and spiritual erraticness has plagued them. There is a significant part of the church that is being shaken awake, who cannot operate in the address of oblivion anymore. They shall cry for holiness, repentance, renewing their covenants with God and standing in a boldness and power that shall make the corrupt visibly uneasy, including the corrupt in the church. The Korahs who are attempting to cause large deviations from the Word in their foolishness, thinking they have a better way than Moses, that those standing bold in their faith have no ability to lead, causing themselves to become an opponent of the will of God, shall find themselves at enmity with Me, the Lord their God. They shall attempt to lead astray back to the comforts of Egypt, for it is not the Spirit of the Lord leading them. For this you shall see what they have built, their churches gut wide open, and what has been festering underneath. I, the Lord, will make the matter plain, and from this, the public cries of holiness and sanctification shall become even louder. For I, the Lord your God, have the measuring rod in my hand and I am dropping upon both the leadership of this nation and the church. Events shall unfold simultaneously, for some have been holding hands in the dark. And now I, the Lord, shall bring it into the light, including the funneling of funds. Churches shall even be exposed for funneling money to terrorist groups, and so have funded their sprees of destruction and terror.

In the body of Christ today, I see people who are still in Egypt judging those who are already living in the Promised Land. Those who are stuck in dry places are judging the rivers of living water flowing from someone else. If you’re still in Egypt, you have no idea what the Promised Land looks like or how it operates. If you are in a dry place and you are willingly staying there, how could you ever correctly judge what rivers of living water are supposed to look like?

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This is not a new war. The battle to leave Egypt behind and move into the Promised Land has been going on for thousands of years. But I am seeing a new operation at work in the church—those who are still in the dry places of Egypt are attempting to sabotage those already in the Promised Land, flowing with rivers of living water.

This is a great divide in the church.

We are living in a time when it is necessary—even vital—to move out of Egypt. In this season every member of the body of Christ needs to move out of the dry places and toward the Promised Land. In order to do that, we must exalt the knowledge of God in our minds above all other knowledge.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

—2 Corinthians 10:4–5, NKJV

The knowledge of God has to be exalted above everything else in your mind in order for your vision to be expanded.

The church’s vision has become too narrow and one-dimensional. In order for the Lord to expand your territory, He must first expand your vision and get you to come into agreement with His plan. Your vision should come from the Lord, not from your own mind and heart.

In the middle of fighting a multidimensional war that crosses multiple realms, part of the church has built nothing more than a paper-doll fort as its defense against the sophisticated weapons the kingdom of darkness deploys. Their minds have not been renewed and transformed, and are not protected by the Word of God. Instead of meditating on the Word and writing it on their hearts, the Word goes in one ear and out the other—if it even goes in at all.

The enemy launches intense attacks and warfare against your mind because your mind controls your thoughts, and your thoughts determine who you are, how you act, how you speak, and so on. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” If the enemy can get you to exalt your problems instead of dwelling on God’s promises, to focus on how you are feeling rather than what is true, to get you consumed by doubt instead of fueled by faith, then he can block your vision from being expanded. By getting you to exalt your problem above the knowledge of God, he has lured you into idolatry—and idolatry blocks vision.

The body of Christ must have expanded vision. We must be the Caleb-and-Joshua generation—our vision has to go beyond what we physically see. We need to have heaven’s perspective if we are going to effectively navigate the season we are facing.

Mind of Christ

First Corinthians 2:16 says, “We have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes].” That’s where expanding your vision for the plans and purposes of God starts, with getting Jesus’ thoughts and plans into your mind and heart—but you have to be willing. Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (NKJV). You need to allow Jesus to change your mindset and make it more and more like His.

The Word of God is a key component in this process. The journey from Egypt to the Promised Land includes the process of sanctification. As Scripture tells us, “Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word [of God], so that [in turn] He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy [set apart for God] and blameless” (Eph. 5:25–27).

So what is the mind of Christ? What does that mindset look like?

Even though Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords, He was also a servant. We need to have a mindset to serve. We are heirs through the covenant, but we are also servants through the covenant. That mindset will keep you walking in humility. “Through love serve and seek the best for one another,” for “it is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve” (Gal. 5:13; Col. 3:24).

It doesn’t matter whether you like your boss—bless your boss anyway. Say thank you for the privilege of working. Having that kind of mindset moves your ego out of the way. It puts you in the correct heart posture, positions you for promotion, and expands your vision. It removes the sense of entitlement and opens a path for you to obtain a greater territory.

Entitlement is like the devil’s virtual reality, causing you to believe you should have something for which the Lord has not opened the door. Entitlement puts you in opposition to God’s plan and gets you stuck on coveting what you think you should have, not what the Lord has willed for you to have.

Your mindset and your actions are forces and will draw people to you like a magnet—either people who are stumbling blocks sent on assignment from the kingdom of darkness to keep you on the wrong path, or people who will help elevate you and propel you down the path the Lord has for you.

The mind of Christ is also a mindset of grace. Grace is the Lord pouring an ability into us that equips us to endure and carry what we could not carry on our own. Grace is also the evidence that judgment is present, just as thunder is the announcement that lightning will strike. Thunder is grace warning you to take cover, use wisdom, and move out of the path of the storm.

Romans 12:2–3 (NKJV) says:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

If you are conformed to the world, so is your mind. Your mind is conformed to the thinking, the mindset, and the ways of the world. Once your mind turns in that direction, so does your life, and the enemy can then stifle the expansion of your territory.

The Bible contains a collection of mindsets, and you need wisdom to choose the one you will embrace, because it will shape your life. The Bible is the living, active Word of God, and it has the power to impact every generation.

So what is your mindset? Are you letting the world define who you are, or are you letting God define who you are? Are you walking by faith, or are you walking by sight? Are you focused on your feelings, or are you fueled by your faith? Are you consumed by problems, or are you standing on promises?

Our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps. 50:10). He is ever present (Ps. 46:1). “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof” (Ps. 24:1, KJV). We are made in His image (Gen. 1:26). We were bought with the highest price by the blood of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:20). “By His stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5, NKJV). Man does not live by bread alone but “by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4, MEV). These things are the mind of Christ. These are the things that should shape your mindset.

The passion to continue in the face of adversity is a mindset. The determination to be an overcomer is a mindset. The decision to fully submit and surrender to the Lord and His way of doing things is a mindset. The decision to exercise discipline in all areas of your life—mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially—is a mindset.

All of these mindsets impact you in the spirit, which then affects the natural.

Why do you think the enemy has tailored and sculpted TV, radio, music, social media, other forms of entertainment, and AI to infiltrate the deepest parts of the mind?

Control the mind, and you control the generation.

We are facing giants in the land. The kingdom of darkness has been building altars and claiming territory. The position of the church within a nation determines how advantageous a position the kingdom of darkness is able to secure in that nation, which is why the enemy just loves lukewarm churches. Lukewarm churches are complacent, allowing the forces of darkness to easily advance. That is why the church needs vision. The church needs to be listening to the voice of the Lord in this hour. The church needs the right mindset to get into alignment with the plans and purposes of almighty God, so we can tear down those altars and take back the territory the enemy has stolen.

Amanda Grace is the founder of Ark of Grace Ministries, a prophetic voice with a fast-growing online presence. Her YouTube teachings reach hundreds of thousands of viewers monthly, and she is a frequent guest on Christian television and digital networks such as Elijah Streams, The Victory Channel, and Charisma Media platforms. Her new book, Brace for Impact, is available on Amazon.com.

If you’ve spent any time around the prophetic ministry in your Christian journey, chances are you’ve heard some strong and sometimes alarming words thrown around. Terms such as false prophet, wolf in sheep’s clothing, or even snake oil salesman. And those are just a few of the labels people use.

But let’s pause for a second and really ask: What do those phrases actually mean? What does a false prophet really look like? How do we distinguish between the real gift from God and the counterfeit from the enemy?

In Matthew 7:15–16, Jesus gives us a serious warning: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” That’s a powerful image. It tells us that false prophets aren’t necessarily easy to spot, and they don’t come wearing red flags or carrying signs that say, “Hey, I’m here to deceive you!” No, they blend in. They look, act, and even sound just like the rest of the flock. But underneath that harmless appearance is a very different nature: one driven by selfish motives and spiritual manipulation.

When Jesus says they’re dressed like sheep, He’s saying they seem like one of us. They’re part of the community doing what everyone else is doing, maybe even leading or prophesying in God’s name. But deep down their hearts are not aligned with God. They are opportunists, waiting for the right moment to exploit others, often for personal gain, power, money, or recognition.

If only they looked obviously dangerous or out of place, it would be much easier to tell them apart. But the truth is that they walk like sheep and talk like sheep, so they fit right in. The only real way to spot them is by looking at their fruit, their actions, the results of their ministry and the character they display over time.

We need to look with spiritual eyes and have ears to hear. We cannot look as the world looks. We need to discern and perceive as the Holy Spirit leads us. That way, we won’t be deceived by just the outward appearance of a man or woman or be led by their smooth words.

I remember having a conversation with someone who was particularly vocal about this issue. He was going off, criticizing all sorts of people in the prophetic ministry and labeling them as false prophets. I agreed with him to a point. Yes, there are false prophets, and especially in these last days, we need to be discerning.

But I asked him a simple question: “If you’re so confident about who’s false, can you name five true prophets today?”

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He fell silent. He couldn’t name even one. It wasn’t because true prophets don’t exist, but because he was so focused on calling out the counterfeit that he never took time to recognize the real.

Just because there are fakes out there doesn’t mean the genuine doesn’t exist. In fact, the existence of a counterfeit only proves there is something real and valuable worth imitating. The prophetic is still very much alive today. There is no solid biblical evidence to support that prophecy and the ministry of prophets ended with the apostles. God still speaks, still moves and still raises up prophets today.

If we really want to spot the false, we have to first become familiar with the real. Think about how bank employees are trained to detect counterfeit money. They don’t spend all their time studying fake bills. Instead, they become experts on the real thing. They learn every tiny detail of an authentic bill: the feel, the look, the print and the security features. That way, when a fake shows up, even one that’s close to the real deal, they immediately recognize that it’s not.

There can be thousands of ways to fake a hundred-dollar bill, but there’s only one true version. The more you know the authentic, the easier it is to spot the fake.

It’s the same with the prophetic. There are all kinds of twisted and false versions out there, imitations that look spiritual on the outside but are not born of God. The enemy has always tried to counterfeit what God has created. But here’s the thing: Satan is not a creator. He can’t make anything new. All he can do is mimic, distort and corrupt what God has already made. Only God, through His Spirit, can give the true prophetic gift.

As believers, God has given us the gift of discernment. It’s a spiritual sensitivity to help us distinguish what’s real from what’s fake, what is of God and what is not. And the best way to sharpen that discernment is by drawing closer to Jesus, knowing His Word, listening to the Holy Spirit, and staying grounded in truth. When we know what is real, we won’t be so easily fooled by the counterfeit.

Balaam: A Prophet for Profit

In the Book of Numbers chapter 22, we encounter a man named Balaam, a figure who presents himself as a prophet of God but whose actions reveal a very different reality. His story stands as a sobering lesson in how greed and the lust for honor can corrupt even those who claim to speak on behalf of the Lord.

Balaam lived in the distant region of Pethor, which is near the Euphrates. His reputation as a spiritual figure, a man who could bless or curse with power, had reached across kingdoms. When the people of Israel came out of Egypt and camped on the plains of Moab, fear gripped the heart of King Balak of Moab. Israel’s numbers were vast, and its victories over surrounding nations were well known.

Desperate and intimidated, Balak sent a delegation of elders to Balaam with a simple but dark request: “Come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land” (Num. 22:6).

To his credit, Balaam did not immediately agree. He told the messengers, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me” (v. 8). That night God made His will unmistakably clear: Balaam was not to go with them, and he was certainly not to curse the people of Israel, “for they are blessed” (v. 12).

But the real test came not in the initial refusal but in what happened next.

Unwilling to take no for an answer, Balak sent another group of messengers. This time, they were more numerous and far more distinguished. They were nobles of higher rank. Along with them came the promise of greater rewards should Balaam agree to fulfill the king’s request (vv. 15–17).

Balaam responded with pious-sounding words: “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the Lord” (v. 18). But his actions betrayed his heart. Instead of sending the messengers away, he entertained them. He invited them to stay another night so he could inquire of God again, as if God’s command had somehow changed (v. 19).

This is where we begin to see the true condition of Balaam’s heart. Though he spoke spiritual language, what he really desired was the reward. Apostle Peter later exposes this in the New Testament, warning believers against those who have “forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Pet. 2:15).

That night, God allowed Balaam to go, but it was not approval. It was permissive will, not perfect will. Balaam’s persistence revealed his motive, and God’s anger was kindled (Num. 22:22).

As Balaam set out with Balak’s princes, God sent an angel to oppose him on the road. Ironically, it was Balaam’s donkey, not the so-called prophet, who saw the angel of the Lord standing with a drawn sword. The donkey veered off the road, crushed Balaam’s foot, and finally lay down beneath him. Enraged, Balaam beat the animal until God opened the donkey’s mouth, allowing it to speak in rebuke (vv. 28–30). Then God opened Balaam’s eyes, and he finally saw the angel blocking his path.

This moment was more than just miraculous. It was humiliating. The man who claimed to see divine things was blinder than his own donkey. Though God spared his life and permitted him to continue, the incident exposed just how spiritually compromised Balaam had become.

When Balaam eventually reached Balak, he did not pronounce curses over Israel as the king had hoped. Instead, under God’s control, he blessed Israel multiple times. (See Numbers 23–24.) Yet even in this, his heart was not fully submitted to the Lord. His outward obedience was not matched by inward loyalty.

Later in Scripture, we learn of Balaam’s final betrayal. In Numbers 31:16, Moses reveals that it was Balaam who advised Balak to seduce the Israelites with sexual immorality and idolatry, leading them into sin and invoking God’s judgment upon His own people. Balaam had found another way to earn his reward: by corrupting Israel indirectly. His manipulation led to a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites (Numbers 25).

Eventually, Balaam’s story ends in judgment. During Israel’s war against Midian, he was killed by the sword (Num. 31:8). It was a tragic ending for someone who once claimed to speak for God.

Balaam stands as a tragic example of a prophet whose gifting was not matched by godly character. Though he appeared to seek God’s will and even uttered words of truth under divine compulsion, his heart was far from loyal to the Lord. The clearest evidence of this is seen in his persistent desire for the honor and riches offered by King Balak.

Despite God’s clear instruction not to go and not to curse Israel because they were blessed, Balaam entertained the king’s offers not once but repeatedly, hoping that God would eventually allow him to profit from the assignment. His lips said, “I could not go beyond the word of the Lord” (v. 18). But his actions revealed a man who was hoping God would change His mind just so Balaam could get paid.

This contradiction in Balaam’s life is what makes him the quintessential false prophet. He did not reject God outright. In fact, he used spiritual language, claimed to wait on God, and gave the appearance of obedience. But inwardly, his affections were set on reward, not righteousness.

Scripture does not leave this hidden. In 2 Peter 2:15 (NIV), Peter exposes Balaam for who he truly was: a man “who loved the wages of wickedness.” And in Jude 1:11, his name is grouped with those who corrupt the way of truth for personal gain. Balaam’s downfall was not his ability to prophesy but the motives behind his ministry. He was willing to twist God’s calling for a price.

What makes Balaam’s story even more sobering is that while he technically did not curse Israel with his mouth, he devised a scheme to bring them down through seduction and idolatry (Num. 31:16). This reveals just how far he was willing to go to serve himself. When God wouldn’t let him curse Israel directly, he found another way to please Balak and secure his reward, at the cost of many lives and his own soul.

In the end, Balaam’s greedy heart led him to spiritual ruin and physical death (Num. 31:8). His story is a powerful reminder that spiritual gifts, titles, or reputations do not guarantee a heart that is right before God. A true prophet is not just someone who speaks for God but someone who walks with Him in integrity, putting obedience above opportunity and faithfulness above fortune.

The story of Balaam is more than just a historical account. It’s a serious warning to anyone who claims to speak for God but is inwardly driven by personal ambition, greed, or a desire for recognition. Balaam had a prophetic gift, yes, but his heart was not aligned with God’s purposes. He repeatedly flirted with compromise and pursued the rewards offered by men rather than the approval of God. His example shows that it is entirely possible to say the right things outwardly while harboring wrong motives inwardly.

We must not be fooled by spiritual language or public displays of power. Balaam sounded like a prophet. He even spoke blessings over Israel under the inspiration of God. But his actions later proved that he was willing to lead others into sin if it meant he could benefit personally. That’s the hallmark of a false prophet: one who uses the things of God for selfish gain, even if it costs others dearly. His path ultimately led to destruction, both for Israel temporarily and for Balaam eternally.

Today, this warning still applies. Some voices appear spiritual, gifted, and even anointed, but if the root is greed, pride or manipulation, the fruit will eventually show it. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “You will know them by their fruits.” We must learn to discern not just the message but the life and motives behind it.

Balaam’s story teaches us that a prophetic gift without submission to God is dangerous. True prophetic ministry must come from a heart that fears God more than man, loves truth more than applause, and seeks obedience more than opportunity. Anything less becomes a platform for deception. Let us beware of Balaam’s path, pursuing the path of integrity, humility and unwavering devotion to the Lord.

Micaiah: A Prophet of Integrity in a Crowd of Compromise

In 1 Kings 22, we encounter a striking and dramatic scene, one that vividly contrasts the boldness of true prophecy with the deception of falsehood. At the heart of the story stands Micaiah, a little-known prophet with a powerful voice, whose unwavering commitment to God shines brightly in a room full of compromise.

The story begins with King Ahab of Israel, who is infamous for his rebellion against God, allying with King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Together, they consider launching an attack on Ramoth Gilead, a strategic city they believed rightfully belonged to Israel.

Jehoshaphat, a godly king, requests to first inquire of the Lord, saying, “First seek the counsel of the Lord” (1 Kings 22:5, NIV).

Ahab obliges and gathers around 400 prophets, who all enthusiastically declare that victory is certain: “Go, for the Lord will give it into the king’s hand!” (v. 6, NIV).

But something feels off. Jehoshaphat senses that these prophets are simply echoing what the king wants to hear. Then he asks, “Is there no longer a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of?” (v. 7, NIV).

Ahab reluctantly admits there is one, Micaiah, son of Milhaupt, and then immediately follows with a confession that reveals his heart: “I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad” (v. 8, NIV).

This statement reveals the core issue: Ahab didn’t want the truth. He wanted affirmation.

Micaiah is summoned, but even before arriving, he is pressured by the king’s messenger to fall in line with the other prophets. The messenger urges him, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably” (v. 13, NIV).

Here we see Micaiah’s character shine. With a calm but resolute heart, he replies, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me” (v. 14, NIV).

This single sentence defines the essence of a true prophet: one who is not swayed by crowds, threats or promises of reward but stands firm in uncompromising obedience to God.

At first Micaiah mimics the false prophets, sarcastically saying, “Attack and be victorious” (v. 15, NIV). But Ahab, recognizing the mockery, demands the truth. Then Micaiah delivers a chilling vision: He sees Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, which is a veiled but direct prophecy of Ahab’s impending death (v. 17, NIV).

Then he pulls back the curtain on a heavenly courtroom, where God permits a lying spirit to deceive Ahab through the mouths of his prophets (vv. 19–23, NIV). This powerful vision reveals a terrifying truth: The 400 prophets were not speaking from the Spirit of God but from a spirit of deception allowed to fill Ahab’s hardened heart.

Micaiah’s words provoke outrage. The false prophet Zedekiah strikes him across the face, mocking, “Which way did the spirit from the Lord go when he went from me to speak to you?” (v. 24, NIV). Ahab, furious and unwilling to repent, orders Micaiah to be imprisoned and fed with meager rations until he returns from battle.

But Micaiah, unflinching, responds with one final, fearless declaration: “If you ever return safely, the Lord has not spoken through me.” Then he adds, “Take note, all you people!” (v. 28, NIV).

Despite the pressure of a royal court, the influence of 400 prophets, and the threat of prison, Micaiah stood alone, faithful to God, even when it cost him. He didn’t bend to political power, social pressure, or popular opinion. He was a prophet in character, not just in message.

As the chapter closes, Ahab disguises himself in battle, hoping to escape the judgment prophesied over him. But a random arrow finds its mark and pierces him fatally, proving Micaiah’s words to be true (vv. 34–37, NIV). Micaiah’s fate remains uncertain, as he’s left in prison, but his legacy endures as a prophet who chose truth over safety, obedience over popularity, and God’s voice over man’s approval.

The story of Micaiah in 1 Kings 22 is not just about prophecy. It’s about character. In a time when truth was scarce and compromise was common, Micaiah stood as a lone voice of righteousness. He wasn’t just a prophet because he could deliver a message. He was a prophet because his heart was aligned with God, and his integrity outweighed his desire for safety or acceptance.

In contrast to the hundreds of prophets who spoke what the king wanted to hear, Micaiah shows us that truth does not always come with applause. He chose to fear God rather than man. He valued obedience over opportunity, faithfulness over fame, and conviction over comfort. This kind of spiritual character is rare, but it is exactly what God seeks in those who claim to speak for Him.

The calling to be a voice for God will always come with pressure, from leaders, from culture, from peers. There will always be moments when the temptation to remain silent or to twist the truth feels easier and safer. But Micaiah’s story reminds us that truth is costly. He was thrown into prison, rejected by the king, and stood alone, yet he spoke the word of the Lord without compromise.

Today, more than ever, the church and the world need people like Micaiah, people whose character is rooted in God’s truth, who do not fear rejection, and who are willing to speak even when their voice is the only one. Being a true voice for God may cost us comfort, popularity, or even relationships, but it will always be worth it. Because in the end, the only approval that matters is God’s, and the only legacy worth leaving is one of faithfulness to Him.

Wolf or Watchman

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you see the difference between the real and the false:

Alwyn Uys is a former professional rugby player from South Africa who had big dreams of pursuing a career in sports until a debilitating car accident at age twenty-four left him paralyzed from the chest down. In the pursuit of normality and regaining his life, Alwyn cultivated a deep friendship with the Lord and was launched into international ministry. He now shares his testimony, preaches the gospel, and teaches others to hear God’s voice for themselves. Alwyn is a successful author, athlete, and prophetic minister who equips believers to grow in hearing God and moving in the gifts of the Spirit. His new book, Speak Lord, is available on Amazon.com.

You are in a battle. I am too. All of us in the body of Christ are in a battle. And we need to fight.

The Word of God tells us to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). And that fight is not against other people. It is against the devil and his demons. It is against all evil. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

So how do we fight a spiritual battle? We can’t put on physical boxing gloves and punch the devil, although I wouldn’t mind doing that at times. We can’t use physical weapons. Instead, we have to use spiritual weapons. The apostle Paul wrote, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3–5).

When we have mental strongholds because of the devil’s mind games, there are consequences in the natural realm. We can see the effects of the strongholds in our lives, especially in our relationships. But if we want to see victory over the enemy’s schemes in the natural realm, we have to fight and win in the spiritual realm.

There are four key lessons I have learned while fighting spiritual battles: Recognize your enemy, seek Jesus above all, allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse you, and endure suffering as a soldier of Christ.

Lesson One: Recognize Your Enemy

To win a battle, you have to know what you’re fighting against. In the battle for your mind, in the battle to tear down strongholds, the enemy is not a person. The enemy is not your spouse. The enemy is not your mom or dad. The enemy is not your boss or your coworker. The enemy isn’t even you, although the devil may try to convince you that is the case. In the battle for your freedom, the enemy is never a human being.

The enemy is the devil. You are fighting a spiritual battle against the devil. You are fighting against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness.

When I was plagued by the devil and his mind games, I kept blaming myself. I kept asking myself why I was such an ugly person on the inside. I thought my torment had to be because of something I had done or some flaw that I had. I felt like I let myself down because everything was all my fault. I felt like my situation was hopeless, and I felt really bad about myself. My focus was on myself and my inner ugliness.

And do you know what? The devil didn’t mind at all that I felt bad about myself. In fact, I’m sure he was pleased I blamed myself. That is exactly what the devil wants us to do! He wants us to blame anyone but him, and he especially wants us to blame ourselves. He wants us to focus on ourselves. He wants us to think we are bad people with no hope of ever changing and finding our freedom. He wants us to hate ourselves. When we hate ourselves, we most likely have hate toward other people, and the devil wants us to hate other people. The devil is deceitful. He is “the father of lies and of all that is false” (John 8:44, AMPC). The devil’s goal is to make us believe that he has nothing to do with our strongholds, our struggles, and our slavery.

The devil also really likes it when we blame God. If we decide God is at fault for our problems and we get angry at God, it draws us further away from God, and that definitely makes the devil happy.

When we get so focused on ourselves instead of recognizing who our enemy really is, it also takes our eyes off Jesus. But that is the last thing we want to happen when we are in a spiritual battle. Hebrews 12:1–2 says:

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Recognize who your true enemy is—the devil. Don’t believe the lie that God is at fault. God loves you, and He wants you to overcome. He wants you to be more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37). He paid the highest of prices for your freedom by sending Jesus, His beloved Son, to die for your sin and to give you true freedom. God didn’t purchase your freedom at such a high price for you to stay in bondage. He purchased your freedom so you could be free! “For freedom Christ has set us free” (Gal. 5:1, ESV).

Lesson Two: Seek Jesus Above All

Freedom is a by-product of being near Jesus. So we have to seek Jesus above all.

When I was in my transformation process, I received a revelation from the Lord. As humans, many times we are so desperate for a breakthrough, whatever that might look like—healing, deliverance from demons, or anything else—that we lose sight of Jesus.

But that is not all we lose sight of. We lose sight of the fact that ultimately, when we go to heaven, there will be no demons. There will be no sickness. There will be no sorrow, no depression, no tears, no pain. All those things will no longer exist because “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

Sometimes people receive deliverance or freedom or healing, but they end up not following Jesus. They end up losing sight of Him. What was it for? They experienced the presence and power of the Lord just to go back to living for themselves, seeking themselves, while they are on this earth. But then what?

Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” When we have faith in the Lord, when we seek Him, He rewards us. The rewards of seeking Jesus include peace, joy, freedom, hope, love, faith, strength, wisdom, power, and a multitude of other things. But those things pale in comparison to the best reward. The Word of God promises, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). When we seek the Lord, the ultimate reward is Jesus Himself.

And Jesus isn’t just any reward. The Lord told Abram, “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward” (Gen. 15:1). It’s interesting that the two Hebrew words translated “exceedingly great” in that verse can both mean abundance. It’s as if the Lord said, “I am your abundantly abundant reward,” or, “The reward that I am is so great the abundance cannot be contained.”

Jesus is everything. Jesus is your everything. Even in your pain, even in your desperation, you cannot lose sight of Him. You need to know that no matter what it is you are facing, Jesus is everything you need: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

To order Lana Savchuk’s new book, Change Your Mind, visit Amazon.com.

Even your most difficult circumstances do not change who Jesus is. You may not have received your healing yet, and you may never receive it on this earth, but Jesus is still “the Lord who heals you” (Exod. 15:26). Your finances may still be a mess, but Jesus is still “The-Lord-Will-Provide” (Gen. 22:14). You may feel like you are standing on shifting sand, but you can still say, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.…Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, the Rock of my salvation!” (2 Sam. 22:2, 47). You may feel like an orphan, but God is “a father of the fatherless…in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families” (Ps. 68:5). You may feel invisible, but you can call on “The-God-Who-Sees” (Gen. 16:13). You may feel afraid, but you can still stand on Jesus’ promise: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10). You may still feel troubled, but Jesus is still called “The-Lord-Is-Peace” (Judg. 6:24). You may feel alone, but “the Lord is there” (Ezek. 48:35).

This is a whole mindset shift. You are not chasing Jesus for what He can do for you. You are seeking Him for Himself. You seek Him because you want a relationship with Him. You seek Him because He loves you and you want to love Him back. Seek His face, not only His hand.

David wrote in one of his psalms, “Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek’” (Ps. 27:7–8). And the amazing thing about seeking Jesus first is that all the other things you need will follow along behind. Jesus Himself said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

Lesson Three: Allow the Holy Spirit to Cleanse You

The Bible says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). We have already talked a little bit about God not giving us a spirit of fear. That is a promise we can stand on, a truth we can use to fight back when the enemy attacks us with his mind games.

We have also touched on how God has given us the power to overcome and on how a sound mind helps us in the battle against the devil and his schemes. But God has given us a spirit of love as well, and that love has a role in the battle as we tear down strongholds.

Often, when we battle the lies of the devil, we are living under guilt and condemnation. That happened to me. When I was struggling with all the negative thoughts and feelings swirling around in my mind, not only did I not recognize who my enemy was at first, but as I’ve mentioned, I also blamed myself and thought I was a really horrible person, to hate people and be consumed by jealousy and all those other nasty thoughts.

But here is the truth: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1).

However, sometimes our mental strongholds start with our own sin. The devil will use that against us as we try to renew our minds and be transformed. But that is where the spirit of love comes in.

First Peter 4:8 tells us, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” There is no sin so bad that the love of God can’t cover it. There is no volume of sin so big that the love of God can’t cover it. In fact, the Greek word for multitude in 1 Peter 4:8 means fullness. That means God has got it all covered.

The Word of God also tells us:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

—John 3:16

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

—Romans 5:8

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

—Romans 8:38–39

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.

—Ephesians 5:2

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

—1 John 4:9–10

Those verses paint a picture of the love of God that counters so many lies of the enemy. There is nothing you have done or could do that would make God not love you. Nothing can separate you from His love. Because He loves you, He sent Jesus to die on the cross so that you could receive forgiveness for all your sins, no matter what they are. God has got you covered—fully covered.

So when the enemy tries to plant lies in your head to make you feel condemned, you just tell him that there is no condemnation for you because you are in Christ Jesus and that the love of God has you covered. If you had an abortion, God’s love covers that sin. If you hate, God’s love covers that sin. If you sinned sexually, God’s love covers that sin. If you lied, cheated, stole, or envied, God’s love covers that sin. If you sinned with your words, God’s love covers it. You don’t have to walk in condemnation because love covers a multitude of sins.

God gave us the spirit of love to cover our own sin, but He also gave us the spirit of love to cover other people when they sin against us. We have that spirit of love because we have the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5 says, “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Sometimes people have a hard time accepting forgiveness. They have a hard time believing that God really has mercy for them. They have a hard time accepting grace. I think pride often gets in the way when people think like that. Do you really think there is a sin so big that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross wasn’t enough to cover it? Do you really think there is anything you have done that is so bad that Jesus’ blood isn’t a sufficient sacrifice? No matter what you have done, God’s “grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. 12:9). The Word of God says, “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things” (Acts 13:38–39). Once you have become a new creation in Christ, “all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). Don’t let your pride get in the way of receiving forgiveness. God’s mercy and grace are enough to cover all things.

Lesson Four: Endure Suffering as a Soldier

Second Timothy 2:3 says, “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (NLT). Another translation says, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (NKJV). Suffering is part of life. No one wants to suffer, but no one escapes suffering. How we endure that suffering depends on our mindset.

If you still have the slave mentality, suffering makes you want to give up. It makes you lose hope of ever being delivered. When you have the slave mentality, the devil uses suffering to try to keep you in bondage.

If you still have the survivor mentality, suffering makes you complain. It makes you look back rather than look forward to the promised land. The devil uses suffering to make you think that a life of bondage is better than a life of freedom. If you still have the survivor mentality, the devil uses suffering to make you buy into his lies.

But when you have the soldier mentality, your entire perspective on suffering shifts. You realize you aren’t just anyone—you are a soldier in the army of Christ. You are not a slave; you are not a survivor. You are a soldier strengthened by the Spirit of God and equipped for battle—and not just equipped for the battle but equipped to win the battle.

Life is not a vacation; life is a battlefield, and you are fighting a spiritual battle. Fighting battles is not easy. Suffering is just part of the process. Everyone who has ever been involved in a spiritual battle has endured suffering. You must learn to endure the suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ because the changes that happen in you are far more valuable than you could ever imagine. During the process of breaking down strongholds, of transformation, and yes, even of suffering, God is doing something in us. He is doing a good work in us. He is changing us to be more like Him, and that is so precious.

When I think back to all I went through, all those years of trial and emotional suffering, I can honestly say the process was worth it. Yes, I suffered, but I wouldn’t change that because I became a different person—a better person, a child of God refined by the fire—and no one, not even the devil, can take that away from me. The apostle Paul wrote, “…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Phil. 3:10). The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia. It means partnership, communion, communication, sharing, and intimacy. My suffering gave me fellowship with Jesus. It gave me communion and intimacy with Him that I otherwise would have missed out on, not to mention that I have had a front-row seat to the miraculous power of God over and over again. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The Lord wants you to be a soldier, not a victim. He wants you to be a soldier, not a complainer. He wants you to be a soldier, not a slave, not merely a survivor. The Lord knows that the victory has already been won through Jesus Christ, but you need to fight to claim it. You need to fight for your freedom. The devil is fighting tooth and nail for your mind because he knows if he wins there, he wins it all in your life. So stop letting him win! God promised that you have “victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57). Don’t let the devil defeat you just because you are suffering. “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12).

One of my favorite passages in the Word of God during my process was James 1:2–4: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” That passage is very powerful. It is so important when we are suffering to understand that we are in spiritual warfare.

But why would we count it as a joy to go through suffering? Once we go through suffering and God does His work in us, we are refined. We are changed to be more and more like Jesus. We are transformed from glory to glory. We become who He wants us to be. Then we will have pure joy. If we don’t have trials and suffering, we don’t have opportunities for battle. If we don’t have battles to fight and win, we don’t have personal victories. If we don’t have personal victories, we can’t experience the joy of being an overcomer and a victor. That is why the Word of God tells us, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (v. 2).

The Greek word for count can also mean to think, to lead, and to rule over. When you are suffering, when you face trials, it is time to rule over your thoughts. It is time to lead your thoughts away from the devil’s lies and to the truth of the Word of God. You may be suffering, but the end result is that you will be “perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (v. 4). So do not be afraid to go through suffering. Don’t fall back into the survivor mentality or the slave mentality. Keep your perspective as that of a good soldier for Jesus Christ, and consider suffering an opportunity for joy.

As humans, we try to avoid suffering at all costs, especially in the Western world. We don’t like suffering just as we don’t like pain. And that is understandable. Pain and suffering aren’t fun. They aren’t easy to endure. But we can’t avoid suffering because this world we live in is fallen, and it will always have suffering in it. Suffering happens when circumstances are out of your control—when your parents get a divorce, when your brother’s alcoholism tears apart your family, when your child has cancer, when your spouse cheats on you, when you lose your home in a natural disaster… Those things all cause suffering. But when we shift our perspective, when we change our mindset, we can count it all joy because we know there is a divine purpose at work behind the suffering.

Lana Savchuk is a passionate minister, speaker, and writer dedicated to helping individuals experience true freedom in Christ. With years of experience in deliverance ministry, she specializes in uncovering and breaking stubborn spiritual strongholds. Her new book, Change Your Mind, is available on Amazon.com.

If you have been a follower of Jesus Christ, know the Word, pray consistently, attend church and fellowship with other Christians, but you can’t seem to have victory in certain areas of your life, perhaps there is an active curse operating in your life.

A curse is the opposite of a blessing. It is destructive; it causes harm and negative outcomes. We all want to be blessed and live the abundant life that Jesus came to bring us.

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV) says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” A curse can be the result of sin, which opened the door to demonic strongholds. It can come from a generational negative pattern of illness, poverty, divorce and such, that runs in the family. It is often related to the occult and unclean objects of idols and demons. It can also be caused by negative words that were spoken to you by a parent, teacher or even yourself.

You may be frustrated and have prayed to the Lord to help you break the cycle of addiction, financial hardship, chronic illnesses, fear, anxiety or depression. The good news is that Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us, according to Galatians 3:13.

Under the Old Testament, the Old Covenant, curses were a result of sin and disobedience and could be passed down to future generations. Under the New Covenant, we can come against curses and break them in ourselves and our families.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what may be causing these strongholds and curses that seem to be operating in your life. Repent and ask forgiveness for any sins that may have opened the door to Satan and ask for God’s strength and wisdom to overcome those weak areas.

Clean your house of any souvenirs or items that may be images of idols or New Age-related items. Again, ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance.

Think about the negative words you use or may have been spoken over you and your family and take their power away by decreeing them null and void. Speak blessings over yourself and your family.

If you have done all these things and you still don’t see any changes, then renew your mind daily with His Word. Study the Bible verses in which we are told to approach the Lord in His court and present our case based on His promises for our situation. Then ask the Lord to render your case in your favor.

He loves you, is merciful and is gracious. Jesus is also your Advocate. Your enemy is Satan, and he is a defeated foe.

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Scripture Reflections

Bless the Lord, O my soul…who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases. —Psalm 103:2–3, NKJV

God’s love is constant. He forgives every sin and brings healing; His goodness breaks every curse the enemy may try to put on your life.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9, NKJV

Repentance opens the door to freedom. When you confess your sins, God not only forgives but also cleanses you, closing the door to the enemy.

And do not give the devil a foothold. —Ephesians 4:27

We must be mindful of words and actions that open doors to spiritual attack. Through confession and surrender, those doors can be closed.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. —John 8:36

True freedom comes from Jesus. Once He breaks the chains, they cannot hold you anymore. Freedom is your inheritance in Christ.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. —John 8:32

The more you meditate on God’s truth, the more freedom you experience. Lies lose power when confronted by the truth of God’s Word.

For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. —1 Corinthians 6:20, ESV

You belong to God, not to the enemy. You are covered by the blood of Jesus, purchased, and redeemed; no curse has the right to stay.

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. —Revelation 12:11, NKJV

Your story matters. When you testify of God’s work in your life and declare His Word, the enemy loses ground and strongholds break.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. —Galatians 3:13

Jesus broke every generational curse by taking it on Himself. You are no longer under the curse; you are under the blessing of God through Christ.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. —Colossians 1:13, ESV

You’ve been relocated. You no longer live under the rule of darkness; your citizenship is now in the kingdom of God’s light and freedom.

I have given you authority…to overcome all the power of the enemy. —Luke 10:19

You don’t fight from fear; you fight from victory. Jesus gave you authority to drive out the enemy and walk in complete freedom.

Many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them. —Acts 19:18–19, NKJV

Removing anything tied to darkness honors God and reinforces your freedom. Spiritual cleansing creates space for peace and purity in your home.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. —Proverbs 18:21, ESV

Your words carry spiritual weight. Choose to speak life over yourself and your loved ones and cancel every word curse in the name of Jesus.

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. —James 3:10

God calls us to bless, not to curse. Shift your speech to match your faith; your words can release healing, peace, and blessing.

Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. —Romans 12:1

Your life is worship. As you yield your body and soul to God, He fills you with His Spirit and empowers you to walk in freedom.

Be filled with the Spirit. —Ephesians 5:18

Freedom is not just about casting things out; it’s about being filled. The Holy Spirit gives you discernment, peace, and power to live fully for God.

Declaration of Truth

Because I have received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I am no longer under any curses from my ancestry, family and those who have spoken them over me. All curses spoken over me and my family are broken in Jesus’ name because Jesus became the curse for me when He hung on the cross.

I have been redeemed, and I am blessed by God and free from any and all curses.

Prayer

Father God, I am so thankful for Your lovingkindness, tender mercies and awesome grace. You forgive me of all my sins, and You heal me of all my diseases. I repent of all my sins (confess them to the Lord), which may have opened the door to Satan, allowing him to create a stronghold and bring harm and destruction to my life.

In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I take authority over this addiction (name it or the problem) and command it to go from me now and never come back. I declare that I am free from addiction to (name the addiction or the issue causing problems) because Your Word says that whoever the Son sets free is free indeed and that I shall know the truth, and the truth will make me free.

I am no longer a slave to sin; I have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus. I belong to You, and I overcome wrong behaviors and desires by my testimony and the blood of the Lamb.

Any generational curses or patterns of chronic illness, lack and poverty, divorce and (name others you recognize), I bind and cancel in the name of Jesus. I reject and disown all the sins of my ancestors and all demonic working and familiar spirits that have passed down to me and my descendants.

Any demonic working stops and will not return to me or future generations. I have been delivered from the power of darkness and into the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit, show me the things or areas where I have unclean objects that need to be destroyed or thrown out of my house. I pray and anoint my dwelling with oil and clean out all evil spirits. As I go from room to room, I command all and any evil spirits to leave my house and never come back, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Demons and spirits, you have no rights in my house, and you must leave now.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and I speak life. I repent of any negative words I have spoken over myself and loved ones that do not bring forth life. I count all negative words that have been spoken against me and my family as null and void right now, and I ask You, Holy Spirit, to remind me to keep a watch over my words that are spoken.

May I speak blessings and not curses.

I bind and command every oppressing spirit and enemy of the Lord to leave me now and remain gone. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I submit my body and soul to You, Lord, to live righteously and for Your glory in Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection and Activation

Why do you think you are under a curse? Are there negative patterns in your family or in your life that keep repeating themselves?

Make sure you’ve cleaned your house of things like decorative idols or anything that is related to the occult (e.g., a statue of Buddha or a Ouija board).

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you if there are open doors or habitual sins that the enemy is using against you. You have the authority to bind the enemy and shut those doors.

Work on renewing your mind and keep declaring, “I am the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21, NKJV).

Dayne Kamela is a social media content creator who shares daily messages on prayer, hope, and encouragement through his platform, @Litwithprayer, with more than 1.4 million followers. His mission is to inspire people to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus through the power of prayer, equipping them to walk in faith, overcome challenges, and live out their God-given purpose. He lives with his wife in Arizona. His new book, The Devil Hates This Prayer, is available on Amazon.com.