One of the most intriguing things about the story in Mark 5 is that those in the community who sought to tie the man with chains and tame the spirit was unsuccessful. Mark 5:3b-4 (NKJV) says, “And no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.” This gives us insight into the man’s situation, which was not so different from yours and mine. The demons we are dealing with have created a great deal of frustration for us and those who have sought to assist us, because unclean spirits are not compliant. Demons are rebellious and committed to completing their evil intent in your life, and they will resist efforts to stop them.
I remember ministering to a mother who was at her wits’ end with her son. He had become rebellious and refused to do what she asked. He was hanging out with the wrong crowd and engaging in behavior that often put his life in jeopardy. His teachers didn’t know what to do. Various counselors had recommended things for this mother to do, but nothing worked. When she came to see me, she was beyond frustrated. It was clear we were dealing with a spirit in her son that was determined to be disruptive and disobedient.
My heart went out to this mother because I could see the beginning of what a broken heart looks like. When we are being victimized by demons, we often are oblivious to the collateral damage we are causing along the way. This mother wanted a solution to this problem and had come to me in a last-ditch effort. What I shared with her is what I will share with you. “Your faith must transcend your frustration. I know it may be a difficult time for you. I know you keep hitting a brick wall. I know you have exhausted time and resources, but you cannot lose hope based on what has gone wrong in the past. Too much is at stake for you to resign yourself to think this is the way it will always be. You have an amazing future, and it’s worth fighting for. Don’t let the fear of failure cause you to forfeit your deliverance.”
You have the power to overcome any attacks that come against your life, whether the attacks are direct or indirect. The indirect attacks often come through family members or close friends who are being manipulated by demonic spirits. That situation can help you feel hopeless because you may feel that your hands are tied in the situation if the person does not desire to be delivered. But you must remember there is nothing too hard for God. Deliverance in some situations requires a stronger strategy.
Deliverance is available to you and those connected to you. But conquering the crisis in your life may call for a shift in your strategy. You cannot expect others to do for you what God has empowered you to do for yourself. Too many believers adopt a strategy of codependence. Our relationship with Christ should shift us to walk in the reality of what He declared in John 14:12: “The works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to my Father.” You’ve been given authority so you must walk in it with confidence and declare God’s Word over your situation. Commit more time to fasting and prayer, and you will experience the results you desire.
Whatever you are facing, you have to remember to remain full of faith and not lose hope. Jesus provided these words of hope in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus has already overcome everything you could possibly experience in the world; therefore, you do not have to remain as one who is without help. Instead do as the Bible instructs in Hebrews 4:16 and “come boldly to the throne of grace, that [you] may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” You no longer have to be a victim of your circumstances, but you can be a victor through Christ.
Prayer Power for the Week of Nov. 17, 2019
This week, as we look toward the busy holiday season, remember to exercise an attitude of gratitude for all of God’s blessings that we still enjoy in our nation. Remember our military and their families who may be separated during this time. Ask God how you can be a blessing to others in need. Continue to pray for revival, for our allies (especially Israel) and godly wisdom for our nation’s leaders. Read: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Mark 5:3-5; John 14:12, 16:33; Hebrews 4:16.
James Lasher 
Abby Trivett 
