Ask the PastorBy Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest Fellowship,
Shambaugh, IA Insight into the Spirit World “I know a young lady who, since she was a little girl, could see into the spiritual world. She sees angels and demon, and they are causing her great fear. She needs help. Could you give some explanation of these things and what can be done to help her?” It is not uncommon for little children to report seeing angels or Jesus. In my opinion, this is sometimes the result of an overly active imagination and sometimes a genuine revelation. God often entrusts little children, with their sincere and simple faith, with such revelations. The effects are often positive—bringing comfort after a bad dream, or assuring them of God's love for them.
However, I have also known of children growing up in families that dabble in the occult—toying with astrology, spirits, divination, channeling, ESP, séances, tarot cards, eastern mysticism, etc.—and they can have problems. Major problems! Children, if exposed to demonic influences, and left unprotected by godly parents, can suffer demonic oppression or even possession (Mark 9:21).
In such circumstances, the primary need is salvation. Jesus, speaking of the gospel of salvation, cited its ability to turn people “from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 26:18). In salvation there is great deliverance (Col 1:13).
Even Christians can find themselves confronted and beleaguered by malevolent spiritual forces. Like it or not, we are in a spiritual battle (Eph 6:12). When we place our faith in Christ, we become the avowed enemy of the devil (1 Pet 5:8). Welcome to the battle! Just because you and I do not like this fact will not make it go away. That leaves us with two options: we either must fight back or be bullied. Let us fight! After all, the battle is the Lord's, and He promises victory to His people.
If this young lady is an unbeliever and unwilling to turn to Christ, then there is little that can be done, unless this is a mental problem. If it is mental, good counsel and medication may be of help. The place to begin, however, is to determine if her problem has a spiritual root. If she is a believer, then point her to the leaders of her local church for counsel and prayer. True believers can expect victory in Christ if they will “submit” themselves to God and “resist the devil,” then God’s promise will have it’s desired effect; the devil “will flee from you" (James 4:7).
--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com) |