There have been some interesting and puzzling incidents that have happened throughout the world but none that have directly affected me. Some years ago (about 8), I was lying in bed after awaking at about 0800. Upon attempting to get up, I found that I could not move or speak as if someone or something was holding my lips shut. My eyes were open and wandering the room in fright. I recall thinking that I may be paralyzed as a result of past football injuries sustain while in college. I tried desperately to speak but could not and my heart was despaired. The most frightening part was glancing upward above my head as I lie on my back and seeing a dark-figured head withdraw from my sight. Characteristics and shapes weren’t distinguishable. It was if someone was peeking around a corner at me. This lasted for what seemed about 15 minutes, although it could have been less. I was finally able to get up. Of course I searched the entire room and found nothing. A day or two later, I told my oldest sister about this incident in detail. She, being an evangelist of the Christian faith, immediately identified this as the action of demonic spirits. She further relayed that this had happened to her before. I was informed that if this ever happened again, to speak the name of Jesus in rebuke of the entity.

Me, thinking that this was some freak incident and would not happen again, forgot about our conversation. About a month or so later, this unfortunately happened to me again. I recalled the words of my sister and managed to whisper the words "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus" from the corner of my mouth. To my surprise, I was immediately freed from my restrainer. This happened one other time but it did not frighten me. I found Luke 10:17 to be true: "...Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." The previously mentioned experiences have only served as testament to Jesus’ true identity and help to anchor my faith and assure my place within the kingdom.

I am now a believer and follower of Jesus the Christ. Though I know that I am a sinner and still have troubles, stress, and other trials, I don’t try to face them on my own. Believing on that name, makes bearing those loads an easier task.

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.