Category Archives: Spiritual Warfare

God’s Power in the Christian

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Every believer has access to God’s power, yet few live in its reality, because divine provision must be understood before it is applied. Writing to the Christians in Ephesus, Paul prays that they will grasp the power of God available to them. He writes, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18). The believer’s riches in Christ must be understood before they can be lived. God has already “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3), yet those blessings require spiritual perception to be appreciated and applied. Paul then adds, “and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Eph. 1:19a). God’s “power” is dynamis, which denotes the “potential for functioning in some way, power, might, strength, force, capability.”[1] This refers to real, effective ability or power to act, especially God’s active strength working to accomplish His purposes in and through people.

Paul continues, “These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:19b–20). This is resurrection power, the same power that conquered death and exalted Christ, now directed toward the believer and made operative within him (Eph. 3:16; Phil. 2:13; 3:10). According to Hoehner, “God’s energetic power which resurrected and exalted Christ in the past…is the same power available to believers in the present (cf. Phil. 3:10). What an amazing source of spiritual vitality, power, and strength for living the Christian life!”[2]

This power belongs to the believer as part of his position in Christ. It is not earned, developed, or achieved. It is received at salvation as part of the total package of spiritual blessings. The phrase “toward us who believe” (Eph. 1:19) shows that this power is directed to the believer with the intent of being experienced. It is both provision and potential, realized through faith (2 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 10:38; 11:6). Faith is the means by which the believer draws upon what God has already supplied. Thus, divine power is present and available, grounded in union with Christ and activated through a believing response.

The mechanics of applying this power are straightforward. The believer takes in the word of God until the inner man is enlightened and stabilized (Eph. 1:18; Col. 3:16; Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18). He then believes what God has said and relies on it in real time. As he remains in fellowship and under divine control, being “filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18), the Spirit strengthens “with power…in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16), resulting in a Spirit-directed life as he “walk[s] by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16). The believer does not generate the power. He accepts God’s word as true and depends on His provision, allowing the Spirit to make that truth effective in his life.

In practical terms, this means rejecting fear and human viewpoint and replacing them with divine truth. Many know Scripture, yet live in anxiety because truth never governs their thinking. By contrast, the believer who walks by faith seeks not merely relief from pressure, but wisdom and strength to do God’s will. What God does not remove, He uses to develop character, humility, and faith (2 Cor. 12:9–10; Jam. 1:2–4). Rather than complain like Israel (Ex. 17:3; Heb. 3:7–4:2), the believer responds like Abraham, growing strong in faith and giving glory to God (Rom. 4:20–21). In financial pressure, relational conflict, or personal stress, he trusts God’s provision (Phil. 4:19), seeks His kingdom (Matt. 6:33), rests in His sovereign purpose (Rom. 8:28), walks by faith (2 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 10:38), prays with thanksgiving (1 Th. 5:16–18), thinks according to divine viewpoint (Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:2), and learns contentment (1 Tim. 6:8), knowing that God is at work in him for His glory and the good of others (Phil. 2:13; 1 Cor. 10:31).

The result is practical and observable. As the believer applies the riches of Christ’s power, he gains victory over sin, endurance under pressure, and consistency in obedience. Paul commands, “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:3), and explains the source, “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). Growth in godliness follows, because “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). God’s power (θείας δυνάμεως, theias dynameōs) is the source of the Christian life, granted as a completed act with ongoing results (perfect tense of δωρέομαι, dōreomai). According to Wiersbe:

When you are born into the family of God by faith in Christ, you are born complete. God gives you everything you will ever need “for life and godliness.” Nothing has to be added! “And ye are complete in Him” (Col. 2:10)…Just as a normal baby is born with all the “equipment” he needs for life and only needs to grow, so the Christian has all that is needed and only needs to grow.[3]

At the moment of faith in Christ, the believer receives the full provision of divine power as part of his riches in Christ (Eph. 1:3), lacking nothing essential for the Christian life (Col. 2:10). This power is not developed over time but granted in full, and it becomes effective in experience as the believer understands the word of God, believes it, walks by faith in the power of the Spirit, and responds in obedience. In this way, God’s power moves from provision to practice, producing stability in the mind, endurance under pressure, and consistent spiritual growth, all to the glory of God.

Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.

If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

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[1] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 262.

[2] Harold W. Hoehner, et al, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 621.

[3] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 437.

Faith-Rest Under Fire

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Scripture presents the believer as continually under divine care. The Lord’s presence is permanent and personal. Jesus promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20), and God states, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). Paul concludes, “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom. 8:31). Divine protection does not mean the absence of pressure. It means the certainty of God’s sovereign oversight and provision in every circumstance.

The book of Job provides a clear illustration. Satan could not touch Job without divine permission. The Lord said, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him” (Job 1:12), and later, “he is in your power, only spare his life” (Job 2:6). The adversary’s activity was real, but it was regulated. Satan is never autonomous. He operates only within boundaries set by God. Even hostile attacks are subordinated to divine purpose. In the end, Job confessed, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5). The trial refined his understanding of God.

The same principle appears in Paul’s experience. In 2 Corinthians 12:7 he writes, “There was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me.” The attack was satanic, but the purpose was divine: “to keep me from exalting myself” (2 Cor. 12:7). Three times Paul asked for removal (2 Cor. 12:8). The Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). The sustaining grace of God did not eliminate the pressure. It provided strength within it. Paul learned to say, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). According to Harris, “This grace of Christ was adequate for Paul, weak as he was, precisely because divine power finds its full scope and strength only in human weakness—the greater the Christian’s acknowledged weakness, the more evident Christ’s enabling strength (cf. Eph. 3:16; Phil. 4:13).”[1]

Divine protection also includes providential limitation. Paul assures believers, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also” (1 Cor. 10:13). The verb “will not allow” underscores restraint. God governs the extent and duration of testing. Radmacher states, “God is so good that He will not let believers experience anything for which He has not prepared them. He will give every believer the grace and power to endure.”[2]

The believer who knows Scripture and thinks from divine viewpoint possesses inner stability. The psalmist said, “Your word I have treasured in my heart” (Ps. 119:11). Isaiah wrote, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3). Faith appropriates revealed truth, for “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Jesus said, “blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). When circumstances contradict human expectations, doctrine anchors the soul. Peter states that believers “are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:5). God’s power provides continuous guarding.

Therefore, the Christian is never abandoned, never outside divine supervision, never exposed to uncontrolled evil. Trials may come. Opposition may intensify. Humbling pressures may persist. Yet the Lord remains present, purposeful, and sufficient. We must always remember: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” (Heb. 13:6). The believer who lives by faith in revealed truth rests in that reality and is sustained by the unchanging character of God.

Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.

If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

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[1] Murray J. Harris, “2 Corinthians,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans through Galatians, vol. 10 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1976), 397.

[2] Earl D. Radmacher, et al, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1475.

Recalibrating the Mind with Scripture

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Biblical self-talk is the intentional act of bringing one’s thoughts into alignment with God’s truth by speaking His Word to oneself. It’s psychological recalibration, with Scripture as the standard for right thinking (orthodoxy). The believer replaces lies, fears, or unstable emotions with divine perspective—truth that steadies the soul and guides the heart. The battle for faith is often waged in the inner life, and Scripture-based self-talk is a vital weapon in the arsenal of spiritual stability.

David gives us one of the clearest examples. When he was downcast and disturbed, he didn’t wait for a prophet or priest to show up—he counseled himself, saying, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him” (Psa 42:5). He didn’t deny his emotions—he confronted them with truth. His self-talk pointed him to the only remedy for a disturbed soul: hope in God. That’s self-imposed cognitive recalibration. David repeats this three times before his thoughts settle (Psa 42:5, 11; 43:5), showing that recalibration is often a process, not a one-and-done event—though sometimes it can be.

The apostle Paul practiced this as well. When surrounded by persecution and suffering, he wrote, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing” (2 Cor 4:8). That was an internal perspective shaped by eternal truth. He reminded himself (and his readers) that “momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Cor 4:17). Paul calibrated his sufferings by interpreting them through the lens of eternity, not immediacy. He viewed present afflictions as purposeful and temporary, measured against the surpassing, eternal glory they were producing by God’s design.

Healthy believers learn to counsel themselves daily. That means not letting emotions sit in the driver’s seat. It means interrogating our fears, doubts, and impulses with the truth of Scripture. We replace panic with promise, despair with doctrine, and confusion with clarity. We ask, “What does God’s Word say about this?”—and then we answer it with chapter and verse.

This kind of self-counsel requires biblical insight and saturation. The more we infuse God’s Word into our hearts (Psa 119:11), the more we’ll have it ready when we need it most. Like a compass in the fog, Scripture aligns our thoughts with God’s truth, correcting distortions and anchoring our perspective in Him and His Word—reminding us that God is in control, Christ is our life, and eternity is our hope. Even when life feels uncertain, God’s truth is a steady hand on the wheel, guiding us with grace and wisdom.

Dr. Steven R. Cook

If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

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Spiritual Attacks in the Natural Realm

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Spiritual warfare is part of the Christian experience. While the battle is spiritual in origin, it often spills over into the visible and natural world. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our true enemies are not “flesh and blood” but “the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). Yet these dark forces often influence the natural realm—through physical illness, mental anguish, relational conflict, temptation, and even death. As believers, we must learn to detect these attacks and respond biblically, not mystically or fearfully, but with confidence in the victory already secured in Christ (Col 2:15).

The Scriptures provide several examples where Satan or demons afflicted people physically. Job stands out as the most dramatic case. Though blameless, he was permitted by God to be physically struck by Satan with painful boils “from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head” (Job 2:7). Paul, too, was afflicted by a “thorn in the flesh,” described as a “messenger of Satan” (2 Cor 12:7). This affliction, while painful, served a divine purpose—to keep him humble and dependent on God’s grace. Jesus also healed a woman who had been physically crippled for eighteen years. He made clear her condition was not merely medical but satanic in origin, saying, “this woman…whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years” (Luke 13:16). In the Gospels, demon-possessed individuals often suffered in extreme physical and mental ways. The boy who convulsed violently (Mark 9:17-27), the man who lived among tombs and cut himself (Mark 5:1-15), and others who were mute or blind (Matt 9:32-33; Matt 12:22)—each showed how demonic influence can cause visible ailments. In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira were not physically attacked by demons but were influenced by Satan to lie. Peter asked, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit” (Acts 5:3). Ananias was a believer, but because he allowed Satan to influence him, he experienced divine discipline in the form of immediate physical death (Acts 5:3-10). In every case, what appeared natural had a deeper spiritual cause.

The influence of Satan and demons upon political rulers is also a sobering reality. Judges 9:23 states, “God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech” (Judg 9:23). While God sovereignly permitted the spirit’s activity to bring about justice for past violence (Judg 9:56-57), the account reveals how spiritual forces can incite political unrest, betrayal, and bloodshed. Similarly, Saul was tormented by an evil spirit that darkened his leadership (1 Sam 16:14-16) and influenced him to try to kill David (1 Sam 18:10-11; 19:9-10). David himself was “incited by Satan” to conduct a census that displeased God and brought judgment upon Israel (1 Chr 21:1). In Ahab’s case, a lying spirit was permitted to deceive him through false prophets, drawing him into battle where he was mortally wounded (1 Ki 22:19-23; 34-35). In Revelation 16:13-14, John sees “spirits of demons, performing signs,” and they go out “to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.” This demonic coordination will culminate in the battle of Armageddon, where Satan’s forces will attempt one final stand against the returning Christ (Rev 19:19-21). It’s a picture of how spiritual deception will lead to political and military defiance of God’s authority. These examples demonstrate that demonic forces often operate behind the curtain of political power, manipulating human pride, ambition, and insecurity to bring about chaos and rebellion.

Satan often exploits normal human desires, as he did with Eve (Gen 3:6) and even attempted with Christ (Matt 4:3), turning natural inclinations into spiritual traps. Prolonged emotional discouragement or physical suffering, especially when accompanied by spiritual stagnation or despair, can also be areas of demonic manipulation. Relational division is another tactic. Paul warned that Satan seeks to outwit believers through unforgiveness and unresolved conflict (2 Cor 2:10-11). Even logistical or circumstantial resistance to gospel work may have satanic fingerprints, as Paul noted: “we wanted to come to you…yet Satan hindered us” (1 Th 2:18). These are not supernatural fireworks—they are ordinary struggles with extraordinary causes. Furthermore, unbelievers are especially vulnerable to satanic deception because of negative volition; as Paul wrote, “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Cor 4:4).

False teaching is among the most serious forms of spiritual attack because it strikes at the mind—the command center of the soul—and seeks to distort the believer’s understanding of God, grace, salvation, and sanctification. Unlike more obvious attacks such as illness or persecution, doctrinal deception often appears attractive, even spiritual. Paul warns that “in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim 4:1), indicating that such teachings originate not merely from human error, but from demonic influence. This kind of deception can infiltrate churches, seminaries, and pulpits, often through sincere yet misguided individuals who possess only a shallow or distorted understanding of God’s Word. Satan does not usually oppose truth with blatant lies; instead, he substitutes counterfeit gospels, corrupts grace with legalism or license, and undermines Christ’s finished work. As Paul noted, “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14), meaning that spiritual attacks through false teaching are often cloaked in religious language and backed by emotional appeal. The danger lies in its subtlety—what sounds biblical may not be biblical. Discernment is therefore essential, and believers must measure every teaching against the plumb line of God’s Word (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim 2:15).

Recognizing these kinds of spiritual attacks requires discernment. Not every sickness, trial, or temptation is demonic in origin, but some may be. Likewise, not every political crisis is driven by evil spirits, yet Scripture shows that demonic forces do, at times, energize and exploit leaders to carry out destructive agendas—often with devastating consequences in the visible world. Even so, whether the assault is demonic, circumstantial, or self-induced, we are to stand firm by faith, applying God’s Word in every situation. We are not called to panic, speculate, or retreat in fear, but to trust the Lord and stand confidently, knowing He is working sovereignly and providentially.

Thankfully, Scripture not only exposes these schemes but equips us with strategies to stand firm. The command for us it to “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph 6:10). Strength comes not from human effort but from dependence on God. The believer is instructed to “put on the full armor of God” (Eph 6:11), which includes truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. Vigilance in prayer is critical (Eph 6:18; Matt 26:41), as is guarding the mind by “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5b). Walking in biblical truth is the primary safeguard against satanic lies. Furthermore, no believer was designed to fight alone. The Christian community provides support and encouragement (Heb 10:24-25). I have been encouraged on numerous occasions by fellow Christians who provided an encouraging word or offered support by other means, and my spirit was lifted. Ultimately, as Christians, we rest in God’s sovereignty (Psa 103:19), knowing that He controls the events of our lives (Prov 16:9; Dan 4:35), and that no trial or adversity is outside of His will or control. We are confident “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28), and that He is “for us” (Rom 8:31), having promised, “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb 13:5).

In conclusion, spiritual warfare is often invisible in origin but manifests in the visible world through temptation, conflict, deception, and suffering. Though Satan works subtly—twisting truth, sowing division, and exploiting natural desires—his strategies are neither new nor unstoppable. Scripture reveals his schemes and equips us to stand firm, not with mystical rituals or fleshly strength, but by walking in truth, wearing the full armor of God, and depending on divine strength (Eph 6:10-18). While we recognize that not every trial is satanic in nature, we remain alert, discerning that spiritual forces may lie behind ordinary circumstances. In all things, we press on toward spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1), continually feeding on God’s Word (Psa 1:2; 1 Pet 2:2) and walking by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38), knowing that the nearness of God is our good—as Asaph declared, ‘But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge’ (Psa 73:28)

Dr. Steven R. Cook

If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

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A Demonic Encounter

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Camp Cedar Crest Sign

It was summertime in southern California. The year was 1976 and I was nine years of age. My parents put me on a church bus and shipped me off to Camp Cedar Crest for a week. The sights and smells of the forest were wonderful. The camp was nestled in the mountains of southern California, and I spent each day with friends. We hiked, played baseball, swam, studied the Bible, and sang around the campfire. There was a big, open dining hall where everyone ate together. I remember the tall A-frame ceiling and the rows of tables that were lined up straight. I’ll never forget that someone dared me to sniff pepper. I sneezed about a dozen times. Everyone laughed. I never did that again. I had good fun at the camp and was glad I went.  

Camp rules required that I always be with a friend when walking around camp. It was smart because it was easy to get lost if you wandered away. I was with two friends one time and we wandered up a hill just beyond the swimming pool. We climbed on top of two round boulders that were as big as cars. The boulders were leaning against each other, and we sat on one with our feet on the other. As we sat and talked, one of my friends pushed with his legs and noticed that the boulder in front of us moved a little. We looked at each other with big smiles, and all together began to rock that boulder back and forth with our feet until it fell forward. To our surprise, that giant boulder began to roll downhill toward the camp and we looked at each other in sheer panic. Fortunately, after rolling several times, the boulder hit a few trees and came to a loud, crashing stop. The impact bent several trees toward the camp. As we jumped off the boulder on which we were perched, we heard someone running up the hill and saw a camp counselor headed our way. He came to inspect the sound of the rolling boulder and the crash it made as it hit the trees. We admitted we had pushed the boulder over, but did not intend for it to go as far as it did. We all got in trouble for going outside the camp bounds that day. My punishment consisted of a reprimand and spending thirty minutes at the cabin with my nose pressed into a small circle drawn on a chalkboard. I’ll never forget that rolling boulder or the smell of that chalkboard.

It was not all sunshine and fun for some of the kids at camp that summer. In our cabin there was a boy who kept to himself. I remember he woke one night, trembling and shaking, holding onto the edge of the steel bunk bed as he cried. Many of the kids avoided him, not knowing anything about him. He rarely talked and kept to himself. He seemed to do his best to hide, hoping to make it through the week unnoticed. I had no way of knowing there was something wrong; something dark. A demon was at work in our cabin.

On the last night of camp everyone was gathered at the amphitheater where we sang songs and watched a movie on a big screen. I think the movie was Herbie Rides Again, which had come out a year or two before. Even though it was summertime, I remember the evenings got cold in the mountains, and I had forgotten to bring my jacket with me. I asked a camp counselor if I could run back to my cabin and grab my sleeping bag. He said yes, but to take a friend or two with me. Two of my friends ran with me as we cut across paths and raced to our cabin. We entered the cabin and turned on the light and to our surprise we saw a boy huddled in the corner. It was the same boy who had been having bad dreams during the week and avoiding others. He was sitting in the darkness, crouched in the corner, as though terrified of someone or something. 

I remember telling the boy he was not supposed to be at the cabin alone because everyone was at the amphitheater watching the movie. He just stared at me. My friends and I approached him and he stood up. He moved away from the corner and positioned himself between two of the bunk beds that were against the wall. His eyes darted around the room as though some danger was present. He looked afraid and I felt compassion for him. I remember my grandmother praying with me when I was afraid, and without much thought, I asked him if it was alright if we prayed for him. To my surprise, he slowly nodded, and we approached him with arms outstretched toward his shoulders. A look of fear washed over his face as he quickly walked backward. His eyes were darting around and his facial movements quickened as we closed the gap of only a few feet between us. Suddenly, his head bowed and he became calm, eerily calm, with his shoulders limp at his side, standing like a lifeless doll. 

We prayed as our hands rested on the boy’s shoulders. We were praying a simple prayer to God as only children can do. Our prayer contained no great theology or eloquent speech. There was only a basic understanding from Scripture that we could call on God the Father in the name of Jesus in a time of need. It was simple faith simply applied. Suddenly the boy in front of us turned violent. He threw up his arms and knocked away our hands. He turned and grabbed hold of the steel frame of the bunk bed and began to rock it back and forth with great strength. He began to throw suitcases at us—the suitcases we’d packed earlier in anticipation of leaving the next morning. Without any thought, I grabbed him by the waist and wrestled him to the ground. His strength was more than I could handle, and my two friends jumped on top of him and helped hold his arms and legs to prevent his violence from causing harm. 

It was at that moment he began to growl. Deep guttural sounds came from him, sounds too deep for a human voice. He tossed his head back and forth, from right to left, and kept growling like a wild animal. I could feel the deep vibration in the tone of his voice. I was frightened. I wanted to run, but was afraid to let go. Then his head stopped for a moment and our eyes met. That’s when I knew. His once brown eyes were now frosty white. I could see the outline of an iris and pupil, but they were shades of white; not brown and black like before. Something had changed physically in the boy and I was staring into the eyes of what appeared to be a demon. I cried out to my friends to look, and when they saw what I saw, together we started crying out to the Lord for help. The boy continued to whip his head back and forth and occasionally stop and stare at me. I knew there was something supernatural at work; something dark. My friends and I lay on the floor of the cabin, shaking, hearts racing, too afraid to let go, and calling out to the only One we knew could help us.

After nearly ten minutes, the boy began to calm down. The growling began to subside. His head stopped turning from side to side and he looked upward toward the ceiling. After about a minute, I watched his eyes slowly fade from white to brown. Suddenly, the boy’s facial expression turned from anger to confusion. He looked around the room in bewilderment and wanted to know how he got on the floor and why we were holding him. I was fearful it was some sort of demonic trick and asked my friends not to release him for a few minutes. After we saw his eyes remain normal for a little bit, and his strength and behavior seemed normal, we let go of him and lifted him to his feet. He said the last thing he remembered was us praying over him and being extremely afraid, although he did not know why he was afraid. 

The boy then conveyed what he saw in his mind after we started praying for him. At first, he said he could hear our prayers, but our voices gradually softened and then there was silence. He said he was standing in complete darkness, when there appeared a light from above. Like a spotlight, it shone on a dark figure that was tall, dressed in a black cloak, with red eyes. The light appeared to cause distress to the dark figure, although it made no sound. The boy said he watched the figure thrash its arms around as though trying to fight off the light, but it could not. Slowly the figure began to fall backwards, swinging its arms violently as it fell, and after about ten minutes, it finally hit the ground. The boy said after the light faded away, he suddenly became aware us laying over him on the ground and crying out to the Lord for help. We were stunned at his account. 

We grabbed him by his arms and with nervous excitement we marched back up to the main campground and grabbed the nearest adult we could find and exclaimed a demon had just been cast out of this boy. We were so nervous and excited, we kept repeating ourselves. Several adults took the boy from us and went into a nearby room where they prayed over him and shared the gospel message. About twenty minutes later the boy emerged and came and talked with us. He said someone in his family was involved in occult practices and several months earlier he’d been encouraged to invite a “friendly spirit” into his life to help guide him. He accepted the invitation and welcomed the spirit into his life. That’s when his life changed for the worse and his fears and nightmares began. By the time we finished talking, the movie had ended and it was time to go back to our cabins for the night. I barely slept a wink. I doubt the other boys did either. 

This personal story is true as best I remember. My thoughts and memories are adequately clear to lead me to think this was a legitimate case of demon possession. I realize only those who were there that night can verify this account, and I’ve not been able to contact any of them since that event.

Looking back, I believe the turning point in the boy’s life was not that night in the cabin but months earlier when he willingly invited what he believed to be a “friendly spirit” into his life. That invitation opened the door to something far darker than he could have imagined. Satan seldom presents himself as an enemy. He disguises evil as something good, appealing, and helpful. That deception lies at the very heart of the occult.

Dr. Steven R. Cook

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