Anyone spiritually attacked?

[Southernscotty]

Scotty, do you have anyone in person you can vent to and is a good listener, as in just listens and hears you without being distracted by what to say to you or how to minister, no judgement, no advice, no "me too"? Sometimes we need a face to face encounter with someone who just hears us and cares. It won't solve things, but it might relieve you of some of your emotional burden.

No, I am always the one everyone comes too when they are hurt. I am a chaplain for the area. That is my problem, Who does the chaplain see when the chaplain is hurting? I know the answers but I just hurt and feel alone at times. I am ok though and I know it's normal routine :]

 

[Southernscotty]

I'll add something from my experiences.

I have been attacked constantly since I got saved, because I keep my eyes on Christ. I've been attacked by Satan and his demons, and by people, non-Christians and Christians alike. And those attacks have only ever stopped if I've given in to sin or worldliness, and then gotten worse as I've surrendered to Christ again. Satan wants to keep people in bondage, and we are bringing people out of that bondage. Opening the eyes of the blind, breaking strongholds of lies, bringing light to a dark world, and we are preaching the name of Jesus which is the name that will crush the serpent wherever we go.

Ever since God put me into ministry and I at the same time started speaking God's Truth (the true Gospel) without fear to anyone who would listen, the battle got worse and worse. This seems to happen to anyone who is completely surrendering to God, but not to those who are preaching a false gospel or a half gospel, or are just church-goers who aren't really living for God at all.

There are two kinds of Christians who never gets attacked. 1. Those who are asleep spiritually. 2. The double-minded, as Dave G mentioned. Because they aren't walking in the light, but holding on to darkness. And the devil has a foothold in them and in their lives, as everyone who sins belongs to the devil. He won't attack them as he attacks you and me. Why would he? These categories of people are the ones who are the virgins without oil and the goats that Jesus never knew. They aren't surrendered to the Holy Spirit. They will be attacked once they start to come out of darkness, as the devil wants to keep them, and trials will come to them as well, but not if they stay in sin, rebellion, worldly comfort or in spiritual blindness.

Of course there are also those who are going through times of peace and rest. But if you talk to them, they will speak about their own warfare, and they will support you.

God wants to refine you. He has put a fire in your heart and He huge plans to use that fire. You are His light to this world, and the devil wants to extinguish that light. He can't, because that Light is Jesus. But God can let him try, and that fight will only add fuel to the fire. As you keep having your eyes opened to how dark and evil this world is, you will be more and more eager to spread the Gospel, and God will empower you to do so, more and more as the battle keeps raging. Do not ever believe that you are doing something wrong when you are getting attacked. It means that God is trusting you with more and more each day. Never falls for the lies that say that as a Christian we are protected, and if the devil attacks, that means God is angry because you've sinned. It could be, and we all give place to sin from time to time, and we may need chastisement to bring us back to repentance, but then God will also convict you for it. God uses trials and battles to make us stronger in Him, to increase our faith and dependance on Him, but also to increase our devotion to Jesus Christ and His Gospel. He is opening your eyes to the spiritual reality that is controlling the people living in darkness, so you will be able to relate to them much better as you minister to them. Paul knew what was going on, and so should we. But not everyone is all in for God like you are.

Keep pressing forward! It will all make sense one day!

Thank you and I needed this and everyone's advice. I have been on the phone with a lawyer on this family ordeal and it is just a really hard day. I think it is terrible when family goes against another over money and I never thought I would be in this boat.
I am a servant of God first and foremost and I know that I am coming against powers and principalities of the unseen because to be honest, I can feel it.
I am trying to take my own advice that I give the boys in jail. Get in the Word and forget everything else as much as possible and let the Word of God nourish and build you up.
I am trying really hard here. :]
Thank and God bless you

 

[drjean]

Stay the course.
Don't take things personally.
Speak as few words as possible to the enemy (they only twist them back onto you in argument).

You're doing your best---and that's all anyone can do.

I hear you about being the one they all go to... I was a counseling psychologist!

You'll get through this.

 

[LoricaLady]

I think those suffering torture, imprisonment, loss of family, land and homes and health and wholeness would be thrilled to have only the problems that we American have, however. I have also experienced persecution and satanic attack. However, I personally post on the prayer forum and on the advice forum for my own, comparatively, minor, issues. The reason? I like seeing a place where those who are suffering unimaginably get the attention and sympathy and prayer.

They have so little, already, that they can call their own.

 

[LoricaLady]

error post

 

[Dave G.]

No, I am always the one everyone comes too when they are hurt. I am a chaplain for the area. That is my problem, Who does the chaplain see when the chaplain is hurting? I know the answers but I just hurt and feel alone at times. I am ok though and I know it's normal routine :]

Our pastors confide with other pastors from our world wide ministry or someone close in their own ministry. My pastor friend and I go to breakfast sometimes and unload so to speak. I believe I am called to be there for him as best I can be. But you should not bear all and do that completely alone. I think every disciple and the apostles did have one close friend besides the Lord Himself..

I would pray that the Lord bring someone forward for you to trust in, one tested by the fire of the Holy Spirit and passed the test and so is trustworthy..

 

[~Anastasia~]

Thank you and I needed this and everyone's advice. I have been on the phone with a lawyer on this family ordeal and it is just a really hard day. I think it is terrible when family goes against another over money and I never thought I would be in this boat.
I am a servant of God first and foremost and I know that I am coming against powers and principalities of the unseen because to be honest, I can feel it.
I am trying to take my own advice that I give the boys in jail. Get in the Word and forget everything else as much as possible and let the Word of God nourish and build you up.
I am trying really hard here. :]
Thank and God bless you

This is something that always concerns me. Who pastors the pastors?

In our tradition there is a tight framework and every effort is made to support the pastors. They sometimes must rely on one another, or they often have spiritual fathers. It is only the eldest elders who only serve others.

I hope you can find someone. We ALL need it!

 

[drjean]

GOD's love is not limited, that by focussing upon one He cannot also focus upon another. And our love for others who are hurting is also not limited and that we have to piecemeal our portraying all those who need prayer from all types of persecution, make decisions about who we will or won't pray for...I refuse to believe that because I live in the USA I can not possibly need prayer for persecution in this forum. That saddens me greatly. (I live where those who murdered on Sept 11 lived and train, and their relatives and like believers are still here... I am treated differently in my own neighborhood by them as well... this is not persecution? Of course it is...they did this to the USA because we are a Christian nation, not believing in their god.)

Scotty, I agree that most ministries have a consortium of ministers who meet once in a while, but I also know that they are often ecumenical and sharing is rarely safe there.... ministers gossip so badly!

There are call centers... like even the 700 Club has prayer lines... but the possibility of disappointment could be overbearing as well ( one laughed at me as my other service dog was dying... it wasn't important like other people's issues! Such horrible judgment by Christians no less! But it wasn't at the 700 club line... just so you know.

We used to have weekly prayer here as staff/volunteers. I did't make it often but relished it when I could. Contact a chaplain here... anyone can if you need assistance.

 

[SpiritSong]

I joined one of my church's ministries last week and got "hit" almost immediately. So I can relate.

I think what James 4:7 says, though, is that Satan will not try to TEMP YOU, but will attack you through others, when you are doing the Lord's will. In other words, if you are doing what God wants of you, you will be attacked in an attempt to stop you. There will be jealousy or hatred or whatever, to DISTRACT you from doing the LORD's will.

Both Jesus and Paul were attacked in this manner. They were doing the will of God. Satan tried to stop them, and all the apostles. Yet, he just ended up giving them more fuel to accomplish God's will.

So, don't just take one verse out of context, look at this one too:

Romans 8:28 [Full Chapter]
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

I see the back row christians that are true to church every Sunday and Wed but never seem to have any "trials" or problems of any kind.
Soooooo I am etheir doing something really good, Or something really bad because I have been hit hard the last two years.. lol It seems if I look at it, It breaks, If I speak to it, It rebells, If I love it it leaves. Arrrggghhh I believe this is spiritual warfare and if it is, Then why are "all" the others not getting this as well? I know those of us who are and many who never have been "hit" This takes me back to my post about that place of perfection and I think we all pretty much agree that our righteousness comes from and through Jesus Christ and nothing of us.. So now is there a place that James 4:7 really ever happens There has to be or else it wouldn't be in the bible, So WHY can't I seem to get there??? lol

"1. Jesus weeps with us. “In ALL our affliction he is afflicted.” He knows our sorrows, for he has passed through them all, and therefore he feels for us. He is touched with the feeling of our griefs as well as of our infirmities. Man, very man,—man all over, even in his glory he enters most fully into the fellowship of our burdens and sorrows, whatever these may be; for there is not one which he did not taste when he “dwelt among us” here. His is sympathy, deep, real, and true. It is no fiction, no fancy. We do not see his tears falling upon us; neither do we clasp his hand nor feel the beating of his heart against ours. But still his communion with us in suffering is a reality. We may not understand how it can be. But He understands it; and he can make us feel it, whether we can comprehend it or not.

2. We are made partakers of Christ’s sufferings. What honor is this! We are baptized with his baptism; we drink of his cup, we are made like him in sorrow as we shall hereafter be made like him in joy! How soothing and sustaining! If reproach, and shame, and poverty are ours; let us remember that they were his also. If we have to go down to Gethsemane, or up to the cross; let us think that he was there before us. It is when keeping our eye on this that we are brought somewhat to realize the feeling of the Apostle, when he “rejoiced in his sufferings” for the church, as “filling up that which was behind (literally the leavings of Christ’s sufferings) of the sufferings of Christ in his flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church.”* To be treated better than Christ was, is neither what a thoughtful soul could expect, nor what a loving heart could desire.

3. Suffering is the family lot. This we have already dwelt upon, and we recur to it simply to present it more prominently as a consolation. The path of sorrow is no unfrequented way. All the saints have trodden it. We can trace their foot-prints there. It is comforting, nay, it is cheering to keep this in mind. Were we cast fettered into some low dungeon, would it not be consolation to know that many a martyr had been there before us, would it not be cheering to read their names written with their own hands all round the ancient walls? Such is the solace we may extract from all suffering; for the furnace into which we are cast has been consecrated by many a siant already.

4. All things work together for our good. Nothing is unsuitable, unseasonable, or unprofitable. Out of all evil comes good to the saints; out of all darkness comes light; out of all sorrow comes joy. Each pang, sharp or slight, is doing its work,—the very work which God designs, the very work which we could not do without. The bed of sorrow is not only like Solomon’s chariot, all “paved with love;” but, like it, moves on with mighty swiftness, bearing us most blessedly onwards to the inheritance of the undefiled. The forces of earth, unless they all bear in one line, or nearly so, tend to counteract each other, and arrest the common impulse. But the forces which God brings to bear upon us in affliction are all directly and necessarily impulsive. Come from what quarter they may, or from opposite quarters all at once, they still bear us successfully forward. “All things work together for our good.” “All things are ours.”

5. There is special grace for every trial. As trials bring to light the weakness that is in us, so they draw out to meet that the strength of God:—new resources of strength and grace which we never knew before. In affliction we may be quite sure of learning something more of God than we were acquainted with before: for it is just in order to furnish an opportunity for bringing out this, and showing it to us, that he sends the trial. How little should we know of him were it not for sorrow! What fulness of blessing comes out to us, what riches of lover are spread out before us in the dark and cloudy day!

6. Affliction is our fullest opportunity for glorifying God. It is on earth that he expects to get glory from us, glory such as angels cannot give, glory such as we shall not be able to give hereafter. It is here that we are to preach to angels; it is here we are to show to them what a glorious God is ours. Our whole life below is given us for this. But it is especially in sorrow and under infirmity that God looks for glory from us. What a glorifying thing in the eye of men and angels, to see a poor worm of the dust, a poor frail, sinful mortal carrying on successful warfare with the powers of hell without, and the strength of sin within! What a God-honoring thing to see a struggling sorrowing child of earth cleaving fast to God, calmly trusting in him, happy and at rest in the midst of storm and and suffering! What a spectacle for the hosts of heaven! Now, then, is the time for the saints to give glory to the Lord their God. Let them prize affliction, as the very time and opportunity for doing so, most of all. Let them use such a season well. And oh what consolation to think that affliction is really such a season. Ah, surely it is one which an angel might covet, which an archangel would gladly stoop to Were that possible. They can glorify God much in heaven amid its glory and blessedness, but oh, not half so much as we can do on earth amid suffering and shame."​

Horatius Bonar, (1852). The Night of Weeping; or, Words for the Suffering Family of God (pp. 164–168). New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.

 

[drjean]

 

[Emli]

Isn't it wonderful that while you have suffered persecution as an American that you haven't been tortured, imprisoned, forbidden to speak your mind or bereft of family and home? Isn't it wonderful that, though you have been persecuted, you still have, no doubt, a home, opportunities for education if you want them, the freedom to move wherever you want and to move around freely in general, and, really, a basically nice and comfortable life?

Yes, the Father cares for you too. I think He is even more concerned for those who are suffer the most for His Name, though. I think He likes them getting the sympathy and attention first. MHO.

God has placed all of us exactly where He wants us to be, and He allows persecution in our lives according to His purposes. If you judge that, you're judging Him.

I am financially blessed where I live in Sweden. We have a social safety net that I could rely on if I lost my job too. But finances and welfare isn't the Gospel. The Gospel is spiritual. This is a truly anti-christian country.

I have lost three jobs for Jesus. I've been bullied and hurt and depressed to the point of near suicide because of it. Lots of Christians are persecuted for their faith over here. God provides for them financially, often through welfare or by providing new job opportunities. I suffer a lot of verbal persecution in my current job, where I am used by the Lord to preach the Gospel, and that is going to increase soon.

I've also been literally pushed to the floor by the devil, spiritually bruised and broken in ways I can't describe, because I am a threat to him as I come from deep darkness and am more than eager to save those truly trapped in darkness (witches, satanists etc), in any way I can, and there are lots of them in Sweden. I've been cursed by witches because of it, which imprisoned me in depression and anxiety and confusion. That is persecution as well. And America is no different from Sweden.

You can't compare the lives of those living in rich countries and poor countries, or those living in dangerous areas and areas that seem safer, because it is God's choice to put us where we are needed, and to let us go through trials that He chooses for us. Persecution is persecution, and we should just choose to support and bless each other, to build each other up, not bring each other down because we perceive that others may be going through worse. Worldly freedom means very little to God, but spiritual freedom is what we're fighting for.

 

[friend of]

I ask because some of us get "hit" yet others others don't, I see other pastors and members going on joyously and seemingly never having the big attacks like some of us others do. That is why I wonder if I am doing something wrong as to why the devil hasn't given up and quit like James 4:7
The Word says rejoice when persecuted so I have a lot to be happy about lately lol

Hold on to your faith. Remember Jesus in the storm of life and do not take your eyes from him. God bless you in hard times, friend

 

[LoricaLady]

God has placed all of us exactly where He wants us to be, and He allows persecution in our lives according to His purposes. If you judge that, you're judging Him.

I am financially blessed where I live in Sweden. We have a social safety net that I could rely on if I lost my job too. But finances and welfare isn't the Gospel. The Gospel is spiritual. This is a truly anti-christian country.

I have lost three jobs for Jesus. I've been bullied and hurt and depressed to the point of near suicide because of it. Lots of Christians are persecuted for their faith over here. God provides for them financially, often through welfare or by providing new job opportunities. I suffer a lot of verbal persecution in my current job, where I am used by the Lord to preach the Gospel, and that is going to increase soon.

I've also been literally pushed to the floor by the devil, spiritually bruised and broken in ways I can't describe, because I am a threat to him as I come from deep darkness and am more than eager to save those truly trapped in darkness (witches, satanists etc), in any way I can, and there are lots of them in Sweden. I've been cursed by witches because of it, which imprisoned me in depression and anxiety and confusion. That is persecution as well. And America is no different from Sweden.

You can't compare the lives of those living in rich countries and poor countries, or those living in dangerous areas and areas that seem safer, because it is God's choice to put us where we are needed, and to let us go through trials that He chooses for us. Persecution is persecution, and we should just choose to support and bless each other, to build each other up, not bring each other down because we perceive that others may be going through worse. Worldly freedom means very little to God, but spiritual freedom is what we're fighting for.

The Father cares about worldly freedom, too. We are called to pray for others who suffer the loss of that, just as we are called to pray for others in general.

I am not going to argue about this anymore. It makes me sad to see people not posting on the Prayer Wall or on the Advice Forum, but taking time and attention for themselves, and bemoaning their fates, instead of focusing on those who are suffering things we don't even like to imagine. How cavalier to just say "Well, the Father put them there - now let me tell you about MY sufferings in my rich and prosperous nation where I am free and comfortable."

 

[drjean]

Found this from 2003
"Christian Persecution - Past & Present

New forum for Christians-only, for the discussion of the persecution of Christians in history and in the current times, so that we may be more informed, and that we may pray for these brothers and sisters of ours.

Suggested here: http://www.christianforums.com/t49855

Forum is here:

http://www.christianforums.com/f212"

 

[Emli]

The Father cares about worldly freedom, too. We are called to pray for others who suffer the loss of that, just as we are called to pray for others in general.

I am not going to argue about this anymore. It makes me sad to see people not posting on the Prayer Wall or on the Advice Forum, but taking time and attention for themselves, and bemoaning their fates, instead of focusing on those who are suffering things we don't even like to imagine. How cavalier to just say "Well, the Father put them there - now let me tell you about MY sufferings in my rich and prosperous nation where I am free and comfortable."

I understand what you mean, but no one is minimizing the affliction that our brothers and sisters all over the world are going through, so you shouldn't minimize anyone's affliction either. We are told to share with and pray for each other period, to mourn with those who mourn. The Bible doesn't say to only care for those who suffer financial problems, but rather God tells us to love each other and bless each other no matter what. We are all God's family and members of His Body, we are all workers for the Gospel, we are all afflicted in different ways, and we all get to and should share our burdens and our testimonies with each other.

I have been poor and in massive debt, now I am financially blessed, praise God! But I am hated and bullied for my faith. Can I no longer share, because I have money, and can God not use my testimonies to help others? God doesn't discriminate, so neither should we, and persecution is persecution no matter what it looks like.

 

[LoricaLady]

Others have shared their tales of persecution on the Prayer Wall and on the Advice Forum and elsewhere on this website. The great majority of persecuted people featured here have no voice of their own, or choice where to post. Again, I have been persecuted too. You have no idea. But I wouldn't compare my suffering to theirs, or detract from it.

 

[SpiritSong]

I don't think we should be taking away from the purpose of this thread to claim whose persecution is worse or less worse. Let us get back to the main purpose of this thread, please.

 

[LoricaLady]

I trust that all those who have written lengthy and repeated posts here have spent at least that much time praying for those reported on here who have lost their homes, livelihoods, families and have been tortured, imprisoned and so on? But that's between you and the Lord.

 

[SpiritSong]

Everyone does his or her part in the Kingdom.