In this Episode 3 of Insights on Healing Podcast you learn how God would use your situation to build purpose in you. Even when pressure stretches you, exposes you, it is shaping you into your purpose. Even though you are going through difficult moments, you gain strength from endurance and you depend on God more, you have more compassion for others and little by little you are building purpose even though you are in doubt, do not have the answers or see the answers in your situation, purpose is being built.

You are never alone for God is always with you guiding and helping you through your difficulties. Isaiah 40:31 says that they who wait on God will renew their strength, so be encouraged.

What do you do when you don’t feel strong anymore? Because the truth is—feelings come and go.

But perseverance?

That’s a decision.

• You don’t need to feel strong to keep going.
• You just need to be willing.
• Willing to take the next step.
  Willing to do what today requires.
  Willing to stay, even when everything in you wants to step back.
• Because perseverance isn’t built in the big, powerful moments.
• It’s built in the quiet ones.
• The unseen ones.
• The moments where nobody is applauding you…
  but you keep going anyway.
• For me, that has looked like the daily responsibilities of caregiving.
• The routine.
  The repetition.
  The emotional weight that doesn’t always get acknowledged.
• And choosing—again and again—not to walk away from what I’ve been called to.
• Not because it’s easy.
• But because it matters.

SECTION 1: DEFINING THE TERMS

First, let’s clarify what we mean.

• Possession is full control of a person by a demon.
  This is not possible for a Spirit-filled believer. The Holy Spirit and a demon cannot occupy the same dwelling.
• But Christians can be oppressed or influenced—that means external attacks, internal struggles, or repeated spiritual pressure.

Ephesians 4:27 warns:
“Do not give the devil a foothold.”

A foothold is access. If we allow it—through sin, wounds, or ignorance—the enemy can influence how we think, feel, or act.

SECTION 2: WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

Let’s go to the Word.

• 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 tells us we’re in a spiritual war.

“We take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
This means demonic influence can affect our thinking, even as believers.

• 1 Peter 5:8–9 says:

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion…”

Why warn believers if they couldn’t be affected?
Because we can be influenced—but we don’t have to be controlled.

SECTION 3: BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF BELIEVER INFLUENCE

1. Peter – Matthew 16:22–23
   Jesus says to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!”
   Peter was a follower of Christ—but his thoughts were influenced by the enemy.
2. Ananias & Sapphira – Acts 5:1–3
   Peter says, “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?”
   They were part of the early church—but opened a door to deception.
3. Paul – 2 Corinthians 12:7
   He refers to a “messenger of Satan sent to torment me.”
   Even Paul wasn’t immune to attack—but he found grace to endure.

SECTION 4: HOW BELIEVERS OPEN DOORS

The enemy needs permission. Here are common access points:

• Unforgiveness
• Fear and anxiety
• Sexual sin
• Pride or rebellion
• Occult practices (even “harmless” ones)
• Generational sin
• Trauma or soul wounds

The good news is—we can shut the doors through repentance and deliverance.

SECTION 5: HOW TO RESIST DEMONIC INFLUENCE

James 4:7 gives us the key: “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee.”

Daily tools for believers:

• The Word of God – renew your mind (Romans 12:2)
• Prayer and worship – draw close to God
• Confession and repentance – shut every open door
• Community and accountability – walk in the light