Sweet Sounds From Heaven

Sunday night while watching Norvel Hayes on the God TV channel, my memory raced back to the early days of my Christian walk. I may have been born again one year and was growing with leaps and bounds. A co-worker called and said, “hey Sandra, what are you doing at lunch today?” I responded that I brought my lunch and as usual planned to eat it at my desk. He said his hair dresser had a devil and asked if I wanted to go with him at noon to cast it out of her. “Sure, the lunch can wait.”

We rode together to her home, which she also used for her Cosmetology Business. My friend was right, she did indeed have a devil. I don’t really know that much about casting out devils, but I do know that if the person possessed wants to keep her devil, the fight is on. I also know that Spirits recognize Spirits, although I did not know that back then.

We walked in and immediately did not feel welcome. We both realized we were in a war. Neither one of us could understand how she knew this was not just an ordinary hair cut day. Who told her? ~ we didn’t. There was little if any conversation. She was throwing things against the wall just to watch them break, and we were flinching and prepared for dodging plates and saucers, as our eyes bugged out.

I don’t really know who called the police. This was long before cell phones, however when the cop car arrived in front of her house, we took that as our cue to exit stage left and headed for friendlier territory. Neither one of us were afraid of devils then, and we are not afraid of devils now. Nevertheless, with wisdom comes understanding which is essential in correctly dealing with the affairs of life. We learn as we grow, which is a whole lot better than learn as we go. Some of those learn as we go lessons are risky and can be very expensive.

Back at my office, I sat there and ate my brown bag lunch and pondered the situation. I realized some things are not for babies. Dealing with devils is not patty cake and sometimes it takes longer than a nap. That scripture in I Timothy about not putting a novice in office has a double meaning. Babies need help, but as we grow up, we learn how to maneuver though life successfully and stay out of jail, which is the snare of the devil.

Another friend and I used to go door to door ministering the gospel. Sometimes, the atmosphere was heavy and dark. Often, once back in the light of day, we’d look at each other and say, “don’t call me, call Norvel.” Devils were recognized, but we were not ready for a fight. Know what you’re up against. Choose your weapons wisely. Otherwise, hang close to home and enjoy your peanut butter and jelly sandwich until you are big and bad. “Gentlemen, start your engines,” is not what you want to hear when you just got off training wheels. Growing up is a process. Enjoy it and minimize the pit stops.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. There’s no resisting prior to submitting.

Filed under: True God Stories