The Nightmare

I vividly recall yelling out in my sleep last night for a way to escape the fear I was experiencing.  Suspended in a dream state were the familiar faces of those I love who carry with them ungodly spirits out to do me harm.  I was awakened by my husband shaking me, gently whispering, “Baby, wake up.”  An avalanche of thoughts pour into my mind as my eyes flutter open.  My emotions are on high alert, and my throat sore from muted screams.

Though uncertain about capturing and expressing everything into syllables and sentences, I dress quickly and whisper a quick prayer, asking God for guidance as I type about a controversial topic.

The Dream

In the dream, a dear friend, long deceased, came for a visit.  We were laughing and talking like old times when suddenly she changed.  She seemed to take a backseat as a new persona emerged. A dark and demonic presence came over her and lurched forward to cause me harm.  I tried to call her back, but the darkness persisted and pursued me. I ran away from the persona and cried out for God to save me.  Apparently, I was crying out in real time because my husband’s gentle voice and soft shakes brought me out of a very stressful dream.

The Meaning

Rarely, if ever, do I get an immediate understanding of my dreams.  Most times, I write them down, and clarity comes much later.  And occasionally, I never figure out what they mean.

This dream was different.  I lay in the dark, heart racing, mind whirling with scriptures, prayers, and images.  They all had to do with the upcoming holiday gathering. If you ask yourself, could it be the normal stress of the holidays? Don’t worry.  I asked myself the same thing.  But there was something different about the dream and the download of scriptures that followed.

The Mission to Share

After processing the drama of my dream in prayer, I knew it wasn’t just for me.  This dream is a plan for anyone attending social and family gatherings this season or in the future.  God’s love will always equip and empower his children. And that is precisely what he did through my night visions.  The dream also reminded me of my/our identity in Christ and the weapons of warfare Jesus has given us.

The Rub

 I don’t know about you, but for some reason, I forget to FULLY armor up when it comes to the people I’m related to or closest to.  My rational mind reasons that these are people I know.  They are family.  And yet, we know family drama happens.  Careless words find their mark.  Silent judgments swirl about.  Course joking, restless tension, and strained emotions all come into play.  A near-perfect environment is created for the enemy to do some real damage to us and future generations innocently anticipating new toys and wonders galore.

Two Worlds at War

Brilliant lights and the aroma of family favorites dazzle our senses.  Our hearts barely contain the joy of seeing an aging loved one enter the room, cherishing every second left.  The love is real!  The laughter contagious. It more than makes up for travel fatigue and crazy sleeping arrangements. The gift exchange is a family highlight only rivaled by grandma’s secret recipes.

Surely, the enemy of our souls takes a break during the holidays.  Right? One would think family gatherings are off-limits.  The children are present, for goodness’ sake!  Unfortunately, I sensed a telltale sign of him interwoven in the family gossip and suppressed annoyance. And I wonder if personal demons stay at the door, or do they reunite with every hug and hi-five given? Do Lust and Anger exchange family tales then cast lots for the right to ride home with you?

Armor Up

What if more than gifts are exchanged at every get-together; new defenseless targets are acquired? No one wants to think about such darkness at such a beautiful time of year.  Isn’t something wrong with us if we do? Maybe this very line of reasoning is how the enemy of our souls keeps us defenseless and bound.  I pray that we will understand that the enemy does not take breaks.  He is always working, and we must do the same.  Below, I will share strategic, tactical steps you can take with the Lord to protect yourself and your loved ones from holiday drama.

1. Pray without ceasing!  Pray for family and friends that God would work through them.  Pray they would have the peace of Christ and that the Holy Spirit would subdue any ungodly urges.  Pray before, during, and after your time together. And since these prayer points are not exhaustive, please pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.

2. Fast! Take time to fast with a loved one or alone.  Forgo food and fill up on the Lord.  Set time aside to fast before the gathering. Sit in God’s presence and worship him.  Worship is a weapon against the enemy.  Ask God for wisdom and discernment in every situation.  Also, pray that He will empower you to resist the enemy.

3. Cover the children in prayer. Children can be the most vulnerable to an attack.  Adults are often distracted, and children are left to build memories with each other.  This is such a beautiful time but an opportunity for Satan to bring harm.  Ask God to give you a sense when something is off.  Also, stand guard over word curses spoken by others over children.  Cast down lies and build children up in Christ.  Well-meaning family members might try to label a child as “bad” or “afraid.”  Do! Not! Agree!  Do not come into agreement with any word curses spoken over children.  Label them as God does (God calls them Beloved.).  The enemy is just priming the soil of their young lives by planting seeds in the form of word curses so he can reap a harvest in their future.  Uproot lies and ask God to heal any demonic arrows leveled at children.

4. Have Faith in God! We serve a faithful Father.  We don’t have to be afraid because He goes before us and is with us.  The Lord can make this time with family better than you have ever experienced.  You might even come out with a testimony.

Deuteronomy 7:9

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations,

*I planned to add portions of Ephesians 6 here to prepare you for what lies ahead, but you will be much more equipped if you read all ten verses.  I believe your time with loved ones will be beautiful and blessed.

Much Love, Kim J.   

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

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