Wings of War
When Angel's Take Flight - Continued
More Than A Prayer
Tom, sensing a battle in the spirit although not able to see, began to lift his hands praising the God of His salvation. It was like an internal struggle filled with emotions that he could not readily identify. The shifting from anxiety to worry to fear and dread all of which seemed challenge his faith. Since this is not the normal flow of prayer, clearly he deducted other forces must be present and have an interest regarding his concerns. He was fully intent that he would not allow these thoughts, feelings, or the unusual presence to remain. He called out with a loud voice to the God of all ages, Creator of heaven and earth, of All that is seen and unseen, " I know you will deliver me! I shout unto you the GOD of My salvation!", He declared.
Perceived as zealot or no, he cared not nor paid attention to the volume of his prayer though thoughts of his neighbors coming to his door to make inquiries of him filled his head. Even in the moment he cried out the thought quickly crossed his mind.. "They gonna think I'm crazy"- the thought actively working to discourage his requestful declaration of faith and deliverance. But He was not moved nor was his commitment to prayer dissuaded. This...whatever it was had to go. He encouraged himself saying "I will trust in the Lord, and call out to Him and He will hear me and answer me, with long life He will satisfy me and show me His salvation from Psalms 91" This became his scriptural reflection as he pressed heavenwards seeking to gain audience with God. A still small voice within his innermost self prompted gently a remembrance of a teaching he had when first coming into salvation through his acceptance of Jesus Christ. He remembered these instructions of HIs pastor..."When you begin to pray, thanking Jesus, do not stop until the prayer is complete. You may feel distracted by a bunch of things to do or stray thoughts, the phone may even begin ringing off the hook but stay focused on praising and thanking Jesus and Father God in the name of Jesus for the entirety of the time you allotted to pray." He pushed through the humiliating thoughts of being embarrassed because his neighbors would say he was too loud and continued to pray. The fact was that as he continued to press through in prayer, many thoughts seemed to attempt to bombard his focus...but the objective was clear...pray for breakthrough..complete the prayer for deliverance.
The Response to Tom's Call
Michael, The Arch Angel listened...His listening was not the same as human listening. He could hear and see the range of interactions on a scale not conceivable in human experience. His hair blowing in the celestial wind. He peered over the lands observing the battles fought on many fronts by prayer warriors such as Tom. But this request, Tom's request, when beckoned to the God of his deliverance, he was inclined to respond too. For it appeared God Himself would have Michael dispatched to handle this request. On the speed of spirit wind, Spiritual Sword in hand, unsheathing from its mighty holster, Michael's wings flared..expanding ominously, he rose from the peak of his observation point and hurled himself towards the scene of this impending battle. Carried by the spirit wind in what could only be described as an instant, spiritual warfare had commenced...
The Battle
In the instant he arrived, engaging the demon's in response to the Highest command, With one blow Michael's sword struck deception, and hindrance...both fell to the ground crippled by the impact of his blow. Looking up witchcraft quickly tried to recover the position left open by it's fallen brethren, but it was too late for the blow of Michael's mighty sword once lifted swung back around to dispatch him in his next swift blow. Slicing through vexes, hexes, and incantations, the demons of un forgiveness, bitterness , anger, and resentment flailed to the ground. Many were the demons present at the scene but it did not phase Michael, for he had seen many battles and foes dispatched by the Lord's hand. Truly there is no counsel, no wisdom against the Lord. The mighty sword carried by the angel was glorious to behold. I peered in to see it's craftsmanship...On it's blade it said, The Spirit of Truth has made His Judgment. The battle was quick and decisive. Wisdom, truth, provision, and mercy flooded the scene of the prayer arena.. Release....the atmosphere transformed and electric with the new spiritual energy of creation. Revelation flowed, Tom's insight was enlightened..He knew what to do next. How fearful and wonderful is the God of our salvation.
by Calvin Smith, MA, LPC
Ordained Christian Counselor
