“Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands” (2Tim 2:22-26; TM)

This is a promise I claim when praying for a backslider. This is the truth: no man can repent in his own strength. Salvation is of God alone! There is no need to manipulate salvation or deliverance. It never works that way. It is not by might, not by power, not be shouting, not by quarrelling…but by the leading and the anointing of the Holy Spirit who alone convicts of sin thru genuine godly sorrow. It is easy to become frustrated and disappointed as an intercessor or a teacher. That leads to foolish dangerous impatience that destroys much good in the ministry of a mentor. Just make a vow before God that no matter the situation, in all circumstances, you shall never lose your temper and you shall never quarrel with your students or with your children. A servant of God never quarrels! That is a loser’s method! I promise: you will never regret this vow of power, love and self-control! In times of pressure, when evil people expect you to argue and shout, you shall remain cool and show self-retrain! These are the marks of a mature believer, totally submitted unto his God.

The unbeliever or the backslider may look free, but they are in fact kidnapped, trapped by the devil. They cannot say what they want to say. They cannot go where they want to go. It is not just that they are not willing, but for as long as they are trapped and deceived by the evil one, they are unable to be free. They are ensnared by sin and by the devil. They are ‘brainwashed’ to cooperate with their kidnapper and work for him. This is a real bondage that needs real deliverance, not just talk!

As an intercessor, pray that you may see the demon behind your people. Pray that you may know the difference between their voices and the voices of the interfering demons! For as long as they remain in bondage, they shall manifest ‘a split personality’ that can deceive many with opposing ideas coming from the same mouth.

You need to pray for the strength, patience and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to be faithful in prayer and in the ministry of a teacher of the Gospel… You cannot know how long this sacrificial ministry may last before there is a breakthrough!  Pray for your ‘student’ and continue to teach him, by words and actions! As a teacher, as a husband, as a wife, as a parent, never give up on your ‘students’! Even if they are the most stubborn, rude, proud and foolish people you know, continue to pray and teach them the truth! The Gospel of Christ Crucified…the power of the Blood…that is the truth! That is the power able to destroy all bondages! Learn to forgive when there is need for that but still move on with prayer and teaching! Is deliverance or healing still needed? Then have faith and press on…

Look ahead and see this vision: The devil loses more and more ‘errand’ boys and girls!!!

It does not matter how many times I failed or how many times I lost a good opportunity for ministry. At last, we made it! Against all odds, we made it! And the wonder is this: I made it not alone, but with my students and my colleagues, as a congregation, as a fellowship, as a church, as a Body… together forever! Only God can take the glory for such deliverance, for such a long awaited exodus! Now I am sure that revival will spread to the whole city! I believe!

I cannot describe the satisfaction, the joy of victory and success once God grants freedom all around…

It is not easy, but oh…it is all worth it!

 

In Christ I declare:

I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me!

I pray always!

I patiently teach the Word of God to all who have ears!

My whole family is saved and delivered!

None is left behind!

I believe!

To the glory of God!

In Jesus name

Amen!