Biblical Deliverance
The scripture tells such an incredible story many today are reluctant to believe it. Within it's pages God has revealed as cosmic battle raging in Heaven and Earth affecting all of mankind, in time and eternity, in numerous ways. Many passages deal with the reality of Satan and spiritual warfare, offering wisdom and resource on how our families can become victors instead of victims!
A Short List of Scriptures
The following few scriptures are offered as examples of Biblical Deliverance for families. We hope you'll take the time to consider the wisdom and help they offer:
Overcome evil with good
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21
God's power is available for Christians to overcome evil, rather than be overcome by it.
We wrestle not with flesh and blood
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Galatians 6:10-12
When fighting for the health and welfare of our families it's important to remember who are real enemies are.
Greater is He that is in us
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
God promises His power, provision and protection to overcome all resistance to those serving and obeying Him.
God exalts the humble
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:6-8
Humility's a great weapon in spiritual warfare. Particularly when we cast our cares upon God, diligently working and praying for the deliverance of those we love.
Intercession can turn no to yes
"Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely. 'But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. 'Tell her to go away,” they said. 'She is bothering us with all her begging.” Then Jesus said to the woman, 'I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.' But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!' Jesus responded, 'It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.' She replied, 'That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.' 'Dear woman,' Jesus said to her, 'your faith is great. Your request is granted.' And her daughter was instantly healed." Matthew 15:21-28
There's a reason that here and elsewhere the Bible records Jesus being moved by intercession to turn no into yes. Let us love our families enough to follow the example of this desperate and persistent mother.
This kind comes out only by prayer and fasting
"And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 'Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.' ...Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?' So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." Matthew 17:14-21
Even the disciples who had successfully cast out demons and performed miracles came up short when dealing with this challenge. Prayer and fasting are the spiritual weapons Christ recommends when "the Devil's in too deep."
God's chosen faith
"This is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring." Isaiah 58:6-11
The most effective fast is the triple fast of going without food, prayer and serving the needy. Of the three God is moved most by helping those who need it most. Those who do are promised incredible power and deliverance for themselves and those they serve.
God is watching
"If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, 'But we knew nothing about this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?" Proverbs 24:10
Given the realities of God's chosen fast one of the most powerful weapons in the arsenal of spiritual warfare is rescuing those in most jeopardy. Excuses of being unable or ignorant may curse our blessings and will limit His presence and protection in our lives and even those whom we love.
God's most glorified by healing and deliverance
"His disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." John 9:2-4
While Christ might have pointed out the benefits of noble suffering He chose instead to make the point that God is most glorified when signs and wonders heal and deliver the needy. Clearly giving sight to the blind astounded his family, friends and all who knew him. By "show and tell" Jesus and then the apostles in the Book of "Acts" opened the flood gates into the Kingdom, demonstrating God's power and provision to meet all the needs of those who would repent.
Florence Nightingale once said: Life is a hard fight, a struggle, a wresting with the principle of evil, hand to hand, foot to foot. Every inch of the way is disputed. The night is given us to take breath, to pray, to drink deep at the fountain of power. The day, to use the strength which has been given to us, to go forth to work with it till the evening.
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