XI. Discerning Mental Illness And Demonization
One of the questions people ask about deliverance ministry is how can you know if the problem is spiritual, physical, or mental. Some things have been called demonic by certain people only to find out that it was a physical problem. Some things have been explained as a physical problem when in reality a demon was behind it. It is a perfectly acceptable question to ask and deserves an answer.
Just as doctors have tests to find a problem in the body, one can test for a demon as well. Once a person has agreed to have themselves tested for a demon it is only a matter of approaching the area in which the demon is working and put the spirit under command. The demon must leave under the authority given to us in Christ (Howbeit some only leave by prayer and fasting). If the problem persists then other avenues can be explored. As a rule, most people who have gone through deliverance and have been healed have already exhausted all the other possibilities.
Sometimes doctors treat demonic symptoms as only a mental problem with drugs that only mask the real problem. For example, a person can be overcome daily with unreasonable fear and anxiety. The doctor writes out a prescription that keeps the person numb to their feelings. Drugs have now masked how the demon was working. Demons don’t mind this since the whole idea is to keep people defeated. I have personally cast demons out of a woman who was declared mentally ill and was only treated by strong drugs, none of which can cure but only help a person to cope.
There is no doubt that discernment is needed in deliverance ministry. With the aid of the Holy Spirit one can have godly insight. Deliverance is not the realm of the shallow, timid, or ignorant. One must have on all the armor of God and be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a serious thing but God can give tremendous insight into the unseen spiritual realities.
Last modified:
April 2, 2008 11:48 AM
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