The Night Prowlers

I was in a big house. It was night. I was alone. There were many floors, many rooms, and so many doors —none of which were locked. And there were windows everywhere—none of which had coverings. The lights were on, and I was well aware that my every movement in the house was obvious to anyone out in the dark. There was no hiding.

Dark figures dressed all in black skulked about outside. Looking in the windows. Waiting outside the doors. I couldn’t see them nearly as well as they could see me, but I knew they were there. I suddenly realized that they had always been there, looking for ways to get in . . . I just had never really noticed them.

I had a sort of cautious respect for them and what they were capable of, but no fear. At one point, I was standing by an unlocked glass-paneled patio door with no blinds or curtains—nearly eye-to-eye with one of the dark figures. And yet, no fear. I knew, and had every confidence, that those figures would not—could not—enter the house. It was as though there was an impenetrable seal that I knew they could not break through. I was safe.

Demons are for real!

Yet again, God brought Scripture to vivid life for me in such a graphic dream. Drawing up emotions and bringing insights, revealing truths that I knew but were not yet made real to me. You see, Scripture warns that the devil prowls like a ravenous lion, seeking to devour. We are informed that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers and the principalities in the air. He does not leave us unaware but tells us that there will be spiritual warfare . . . demons are for real!

For those of us raised hearing Scripture read on Sundays in church, we know many of these truths, yet they are lost on us. We fail to acknowledge just how real the battle is. Whenever we become more aware, we can become fearful of such things. After all—demons are for real?!

I remember teaching the high school youth at our little country church about angels and demons. As I read scriptural passages that referenced spiritual beings, both good and evil, one student—who had been churched her entire life—asked incredulously, “You mean demons are for real?!” I knew we couldn’t stop there. God does not leave us unaware, but neither does he leave us unequipped. So we went on to read about the armor of God from Ephesians 6. He gives us the defensive weapons of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. And then there is the sole offensive weapon, the sword of truth—God’s Word, the Bible. And, of course, the power of prayer.

Sealed by the Spirit

Ephesians 1 also tells us that once we become Christians, we are marked in Christ with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Scripture teaches that while the devil and his minions (demons) may oppress us—pester and plague us, bringing worry, doubt, and fear—they may not possess us. Our souls are sealed by the power of the Holy Spirit! So, we can face these spiritual adversaries without fear. Our souls are secure. Impenetrable! We can let our light shine in this dark world, knowing with every confidence that the darkness cannot enter into our hearts. Indeed, we are to let our lights shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.

This knowledge—this assurance—would prepare me for the mission field God was sending me to. I would go to some very dark places, but I found newfound courage and peace when I went with his light! So, turn the lights on, and don’t pull the drapes. And don’t fear that which has no power when we call on the name of Jesus. Let a watching world see that they may come to trust and love the God we serve, who is Lord over all and who can cast out fear! There are so many who, like that young student, need to know these truths. We will live out our faith entirely differently once we know.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls

around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the authorities,

against the powers of this dark world and against

the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard

the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.

When you believed, you were marked in him

with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit”

Ephesians 1:13 NIV

”Therefore put on the full armor of God,

so that when the day of evil comes,

you may be able to stand your ground,

and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Ephesians 6:13 NIV

“In the same way, let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 NIV