Do you feel slowed down, lethargic, or like you’re taking two steps forward and three steps back? You may be experiencing demonic hindrances in your life. While some Christians attribute everything to the devil, the Bible shows us that demonic forces can very much hinder our walk with God. In this post, we’ll explore what demonic hindrances are from a biblical perspective, how to discern if you’re dealing with them, and powerful keys to break free.
What Are Demonic Hindrances?
The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:12, “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.” We’re in a spiritual battle, plain and simple.
Paul himself experienced being hindered by Satan from reaching the church in Thessalonica, as he stated in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 – “…we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.” If this great apostle faced demonic resistance, we shouldn’t be surprised when we encounter it too.
Demonic hindrances can manifest in various ways:
Mental Warfare
One way is through increased mental warfare – anxiety, irrational worry, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, etc. Just when you think you’ve gained victory over anxious thoughts, they can resurface with intensity. This could be a demonic attack on your mind.
Physical Infirmities
In Luke 13, Jesus healed a woman who had been crippled by a “spirit of infirmity” for 18 years. Some physical conditions have spiritual roots that require deliverance, not just medical treatment.
Blockages and Distractions
Hindrances may come as distractions, delays, or blockages trying to keep you from your God-given purpose and destiny.The enemy doesn’t want you advancing in your impact for the Kingdom.
How to Discern Demonic Hindrances
So how can you tell if you’re dealing with a demonic hindrance versus just your own flesh and human limitation? Here are some ways to increase your discernment:
1. Increase Discipline
One key is to increase your discipline, which will increase your discernment. Push yourself to do what your flesh doesn’t want to do. If you’re able to do it through sheer discipline, it may not be a demonic hindrance. However, if you experience intense, supernatural resistance, it could have a spiritual force behind it.
2. Maintain a Disciplined Prayer Life
Those who spend consistent time in prayer and intimacy with God will become more attuned to discerning the Spirit’s voice and spiritual realities. If you find yourself becoming unusually dry or distracted in prayer, it could indicate demonic interference trying to cut you off from the voice of God.
3. Watch for Patterns
Demonic hindrances often arise right before you’re about to go to the next level or advance in your calling and purpose. The enemy doesn’t want you leveling up, so he tries to throw obstacles and distractions in your way. Recognize the patterns and cycles.
Breaking Free from Demonic Hindrances
Once you’ve discerned the reality of demonic hindrances in your life, it’s time to break free! Here are biblical strategies:
1. Repent and Crucify the Flesh
While not everything is the devil, we do open legal grounds for the enemy through unrepentant sin and fleshly desires. Repent wholeheartedly, crucify the flesh daily, and remove any lifestyle habits or toxic connections that could give demonic forces access.
2. Break Soul Ties and Connections
The Bible speaks of being “soul tied” or bound in intimate relationships like marriage (Genesis 2:24). Ungodly soul ties with people through sin give demonic forces permission to oppress. Boldly break these ties in Jesus’ name.
3. Speak the Word of God
Jesus defeated Satan’s temptations by speaking the Word of God. We must do the same, using the sword of the Spirit – the word of God – to directly resist and command demonic forces to be broken off our lives in Jesus’ mighty name.
4. Change Atmospheres
Certain atmospheres and environments can be so saturated with fleshly living and sin that it makes it difficult to break free from oppression. Change locations, cut off toxic relationships, stop consuming unedifying media – change the atmosphere around you to create a space for God’s presence.
5. Stay Connected
We’re not made to fight alone! Stay connected and accountable to other believers who can pray in agreement with you and support you in your journey of freedom. There is power in unified, corporate prayer to tear down strongholds.
Demonic hindrances are very real opposition that all believers face at some level. But we don’t have to stay stuck! Through consistent discipline, discernment, and applying biblical strategies, we can break through every obstacle and experience greater realms of freedom and authority in Christ.
The enemy doesn’t want you operating in your full potential and spiritual inheritance. But Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and gave you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions – every force of the enemy (Luke 10:19). Take up the weapons of your warfare, church! It’s time to level up and leave demonic hindrances behind.
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