Galatians 5:1

“It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].”

“I am free.” These are words I repeated to myself yesterday when the enemy came in like a flood to steal my freedom. Not so fast, devil, not so fast.

Last year, I had an encounter with the Lord where He literally, in a moment, lifted years of brokenness, emotional soul grief and pain, sorrow, frustration and oppression from me.

I have been walking in that freedom, declaring that freedom and helping others to get free ever since. What an amazing, almost euphoric time it has been! Freedom is amazing!!!!

Oh but yesterday…. I had opportunity to slip back into that prison of brokenness and pain…It’s hard for me to put into words the literal battle that I encountered. Not only did I have an extreme (for me) emotional response, but my physical body also reacted. One of my daughters was also struggling at the same time. What a low blow, Satan.

What’s important to learn here is that the enemy plays dirty and he’ll do whatever he can to put us in chains and keep us there. But, we aren’t ignorant to his devices and we have all the tools we need. The Bible says we won’t be tempted beyond what we can handle and that’s because we have everything we need to win every battle.

What were the tools available to me yesterday that I used to resist the devil and cause him to flee from me?

1. Holy Spirit. It’s no coincidence that I woke up yesterday morning praying in the Spirit and continued to do so all throughout the morning. By the time I was in the midst of the battle, I was completely immersed in Holy Spirit, His power and anointing. I was primed for battle!

2. The truth of God’s Word. Jesus paid the price for my freedom 2,000 years ago. I am free. I am whole. I am healed. I am loved by my Father. I am the apple of His eye. He is for me. I am precious in His sight. He has great plans for me. These are words I spoke aloud. Remember when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness? He used the Word of God to fight against the devil. Say the Word out loud so Satan can hear what you believe and what you are standing on!

3. My testimony. Through tears, hyper-ventilating and feeling like I was having an out-of-body experience, I declared the Word and also what He has done in my life. I am forgiven, so I forgive. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I am anointed. I am powerful in the Spirit. I am free from trauma, abuse, insecurity, brokenness, oppression. He has set me free. The old me is gone. What He has begun to do in my life and through my life…this is just the beginning. His plans are big and good.

4. Self-control. Ladies, everything in me wanted to shout from the hilltops the injustices done to me and my kids. I mean, EVERYTHING in me. But I didn’t…because I AM FREE! Holy Spirit is alive and working in my life, of that, I am sure! That’s the only reason I could keep my mouth shut. Fruit of the Spirit! I praise God for that!

5. Sisters in Christ. By divine appointment, Ali Walters happened upon me while I was having this moment. She prayed over me, spoke the Word over me, declared who I am in Christ, encouraged me and comforted me. She didn’t try to fix it, but stood in agreement in Truth with me. Later I had a vision of what she did for me. She literally linked arms with me and went to battle with me. The moment wasn’t convenient for her, but she stood firm with me. Sheena Jones was also there with me and my daughter, making sure we had all we needed in the moment. And Becca Quinn spoke against the enemy and reminded me who I am. The Body of Christ is vital to us! Thank you Lord, for my precious warrior sisters!

I pray that my transparency ministers to you today as you fight your own battles against the enemy of your soul. As dramatic as my story sounds, it happened and I won this battle. Stay strong, sisters. Know your Word, stay prayed up in the Spirit, allow Holy Spirit to speak loudest and stay connected to your sisters in Christ. Don’t be a lone wolf!

I love you all and pray you have a wonderful, Holy Spirit-led day in Jesus’ name!