(Dream in September 2009)
Typically, dreams are in a familiar place known to us. This dream was not. I was in an unfamiliar place with a few I recognized, but others I did not. Suddenly, an individual I thought I knew, but from whom I felt an immediate threat approached me, attempting to do me harm. He threw many blows and assaults, but they all stopped short of hitting me. Nothing lodged against me could harm me. It was as if an invisible shield surrounded me. (Eph. 6:11)
Typically, dreams are in a familiar place known to us. This dream was not. I was in an unfamiliar place with a few I recognized, but others I did not. Suddenly, an individual I thought I knew, but from whom I felt an immediate threat approached me, attempting to do me harm. He threw many blows and assaults, but they all stopped short of hitting me. Nothing lodged against me could harm me. It was as if an invisible shield surrounded me. (Eph. 6:11)
My attacker was baffled, as I was at first, until I remembered the shield of faith and God’s protection against spiritual assaults. "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17).
Then I moved into a room filled with many people I did not know, but recognized a kinsman spirit among them. Again, I felt threatened, not from those within the room, but from those outside of the building. I could see them gathered through a large plate-glass window. I sensed tremendous anger in them, but also knew their anger was unfounded and based on ignorance of the truth as well as their own personal issues of pain and suffering. (Prov. 14:12)
I wanted so desperately to inform them of the truth, and even attempted to do so, but they retaliated with reasoning so twisted and distorted it was impossible to undo. (Is. 5:20) I realized how futile any future attempts would be at this point. They were beyond receiving anything not fueled by vengeance.
I remembered a device I carried in my pocket. (weird I know) It looked like a car remote. I pressed the button on it and suddenly every door and window surrounding this large group of people in the room in which we were gathered was fortified. Gates fell over doors and extra layers of glass came down to strengthen every window. We felt safe, but as our security increased inside, their anger outside increased even more.
The angry mob outside the building pulled out machine guns (again, weird I know) and began to fire at the windows, gradually breaking through to the final pane. Then a woman burst through the last layer with her body, jumping through the glass. As she did, the glass came down on innocent people, including a child, who was badly injured. The woman seemed shocked by what her actions had done to this innocent child. I remember wondering then if she would finally be willing to listen to truth...
...but then I woke up.
I lay in bed and contemplated this bizarre dream, recognizing its significance for those moments of confrontation throughout our lives, as well as the onslaught of attacks launched by an enemy (Satan and his cohorts) who hates us .
Many confrontations we experience are based on wrong information and a distortion of truth and are laced with emotional pain and turmoil in the lives of individuals who have never learned to process their pain, or deal with personal issues. Instead, they learn to “survive” by distorted truth and twisted reasoning, lodging assaults on others, hoping to alleviate their pain by inflicting pain on others. The enemy loves to hold people hostage to this position and mind-set as long as he can.
These individuals want some kind of vindication for their anguish and think the only way to achieve it is by blaming and assaulting others, accusing them of being responsible for their suffering. Deep down however, they truly seek a place of peace, but know not of how to achieve that, nor do they really desire to hurt others. It’s just the only way they know.
Many confrontations we experience are based on wrong information and a distortion of truth and are laced with emotional pain and turmoil in the lives of individuals who have never learned to process their pain, or deal with personal issues. Instead, they learn to “survive” by distorted truth and twisted reasoning, lodging assaults on others, hoping to alleviate their pain by inflicting pain on others. The enemy loves to hold people hostage to this position and mind-set as long as he can.
These individuals want some kind of vindication for their anguish and think the only way to achieve it is by blaming and assaulting others, accusing them of being responsible for their suffering. Deep down however, they truly seek a place of peace, but know not of how to achieve that, nor do they really desire to hurt others. It’s just the only way they know.
HURT PEOPLE tend to HURT PEOPLE.
More importantly however, it is a spiritual issue. Nearly every human problem or issue has spiritual origins and many, even in the church, fail to recognize that. The faithful follower of Christ who recognizes the works of the enemy will seek to discern the deeper source of the issues in every circumstance in order to approach anger and rage in a spirit of love, grace, and forgiveness, and never in retaliation. Additionally, they will bathe the situation in prayer, seeking God's hand of wisdom and justice.
More importantly however, it is a spiritual issue. Nearly every human problem or issue has spiritual origins and many, even in the church, fail to recognize that. The faithful follower of Christ who recognizes the works of the enemy will seek to discern the deeper source of the issues in every circumstance in order to approach anger and rage in a spirit of love, grace, and forgiveness, and never in retaliation. Additionally, they will bathe the situation in prayer, seeking God's hand of wisdom and justice.
Father, thank you for Your full armor that protects us from the attacks of the enemy. Your Word is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit and able to judge even our thoughts and intentions. (Heb. 4:12) As we lift up the Sword of Truth and our shield of faith Father, let us be mindful as well to put on love for one another, for Jesus says to love even our enemies. (Matt. 5:44) Grant unto us a spirit of discernment so that we might be able to see into the window of their soul to understand from where their pain comes that now hides behind pride, anger, bitterness and rage. (2 Tim. 2:24-26) We desire to love them into Your presence for the first time, to love them back to You, or to love them back into right fellowship with the body of believers. Your love, mercy and grace endure forever Lord. All glory and honor to You. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this post. I appreciate every comment. Blessings!