To William Birch: the angelic realms and their behavior is probably one of the least understood subjects in the Kingdom.
I understand that the ET, or “Alien” is a Jungian archetype of demons, and so the world at large has a dim yet soild awareness of malevolent creatures of high intelligence and special powers, yet somehow the world cannot just call a spade a spade: aliens NOT, fallen angels YES.
Towards your question, the subject of Spiritual Warfare often has literature on this subject, and please be careful about the author (no Kenneth Copeland, please!).
Also, In Gal. 3:1 the question is asked, “Who bewitched (brainwashed?) you . . .”, which indicates that some of the greatest oppression of Satan might be in the realm of faith and belief.
And lastly, my own experience leads me to the conclusion that Satan often tries to use pain and injury to his advantage, much like a jackal which preys on the weak sheep, hoping for an easy meal.

“Hang in there Bro, you are a good man, and you contribute much to the body of Christ. My life has been greatly enriched by your teaching, but more so by your life.”

Well said Robert. Michael is indeed a really good man. You have both been through such a lot its a testamant to God’s grace and your relationship with him that you are both still sane yet alone in close fellowship with God.

Although I have never experienced directly what you have, I still vividly the day I heard that my 18 year old Christian cousin had been brutally raped and come quite close to being killed whle tending the grave of a son of a family friend in cemetery near to her home.

It was even worse when the defence solicitor at the trial tried to destroy my couson’s character and credibility. Thankfully she stuck to her story and the jury delivered a guilty verdict, but somehow the judge only gave him a 4 year sentecne and he was out again in a two and a half years time.

Although we did not have to sruggle with the issues that sudden death brings, we did have the “what if my cousin falls pregnant as a result of the rape” question to worry about? What about forgiveness, especially when there was a total lack of remorse on behalf of the guy for what he had done? How would she cope when he gout out of prison? How do we help her cope with the jibes and taunts of his family who lived nearby? How do you cope with the injustice of hearing someone’s godd character being unjsutlu and unfairly ripped apart in court?

None of these are easy issues. My cousin is now recovered but she has never married or had anything resembling a close relationship which I feel is largely due to the effect the ordeal has had on her.

A big virtual hug to you all. Thank you.

Hello Michael,

I do appreciate you being so open, and honest. These stories make us all take a deep breath. I have a similar story (I’ve shared with you before), 22 years ago my brother was murdered, and I had to go to my moms house because the detectives were there and did not want to break the news to her alone. I only worked about 5 minutes from her at the time, plus she did not speak English very well.

It is the hardest thing to try and comfort someone when you, yourself are experiencing the same lost. I do think that God led you to your sister that day. Suffering, if we allow it will make us more Christ like. The danger is becoming bitter and angry towards God. I remember having some of those feelings of disappointment. My brother had given his life to the Lord just a few months prior to his death, and his death was slow and painful. I try not to think to much how about his condition as it saddens my heart. But I choose not to be bitter or question God to much (yeah I pray and wonder, but well, it’s hard to put into words), I just realize that we live a fallen imperfect world.

I don’t know why I am saying what I am saying, your stories always invoke a great deal of past emotions. Hang in there Bro, you are a good man, and you contribute much to the body of Christ. My life has been greatly enriched by your teaching, but more so by your life.

CMP,

That was about the saddest story I’ve heard in my life. I had no idea you were a guy whom so much tragedy has happened to. Experience is a good thing, and oftentimes it sheds light on the Scriptures. I agree that we must be careful when we interpret it, but we certainly can’t throw it out the window (I know you’re not suggesting we should).

Thanks for being so open and honest. I admire you.

P.S. If my comment/question was in any way offensive, I certainly apologize. I meant nothing negative by asking such a thing.

God bless,

Billy

This life story brought me to tears.

Question: Has anyone thought about or looked into the possibility of demonic oppression? That may sound old-fashioned or spooky, but the reality of demonic activity cannot be easily dismissed. I was just wondering what various people have thought. I mean, one day she was fine, and the next day she was a completely different person, and the experience cost her her life.

I believe Jesus said that thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10a). I understand that God is sovereign, but I also understand that there is a battle raging.

God bless,

Billy

“I have no answers or theological observations.”

“My heart broke as I read your story and realized the strain on you and your family of your sister’s depression and behavior.”

In the face of such pain and anguish I don’t think there are any neat answers.

Life can be very messy..and sometimes God’s will and desires amidst the turmoil can appear messy to us also, but we just have to cling onto him as Michael did…sometimes just by our very fingertips. We love to have everthing nailed down, explained in black and white terms but frustatingly God tends not to work that way sometimes.

I would never want to minimise or trivialise in any way the anguish that Michael and his family have endured, in his sister’s death and his mother’s long-term illness, but arising from all this appears to have come a more humane and compassionate understanding of depressive illness/suicide and an ability to stay faithful to God amidst some of most trying of circumstances.

That is not justifying or seeking to explain away what has happened and is happening now – it’s merely an observation.

“We must be very careful when interpreting experience.”

Dear CMP,

I’m very sorry for you and your family’s loss. Yet, I do commend you for being able to draw a very important lesson from your family tragedy.

I hope Drew will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus as His Lord and Savior.

Pax.

Hello Michael

I have no answers or theological observations.

My heart broke as I read your story and realized the strain on you and your family of your sister’s depression and behavior. In July 2000 our daughter also committed suicide, but since she lived 1500 miles away it came as a sudden shock. But not even her friends had realized she was suicidal so living closer to her may have not changed anything.

Good however has come out of it. The remainder of our family was drawn much closer together and has made a concerted effort not to take each other for granted.

Michael, you and your family are in our prayers every night. I am also saddened that your Mom was not healed. I know something of her condition since my wife is in her 9th year of Alzheimer’s. I also pray that your Dad will have a spiritual awakening.

Thank you for sharing not only your gifts, but your sorrows.

Ron