P: Who of you if you have an open wound, would leave it un-treated?
A: ‘Well, duh Patricia – No one would do that. It’s common sense to treat a wound to prevent infection.’
P: Ok. Good answer. Now what about a spiritual wound?
A: ‘Come again?’
P: You know, spiritual attacks.
A: ‘Still not quite following you….’
P: Let me put it this way – The devil gains a foothold in our life when we sin, leaving us vulnerable to spiritual attacks that can affect our physical and mental health.
A: ‘But, isn’t that why we have God? To protect us from satan and demons?’
P: Yes, but if we don’t kill sins roots right away, it’s given room to grow and fester.
It’s similar to leaving your home unlocked at night. Leaving our doors unlocked makes it’s far easier for a thief to get in than if the house is locked and armed.
God is our protection. When we arm ourselves with His word and truth, we are protected from spiritual attack.
A: ‘So, your saying that the things I do or don’t do can deeply affect my spiritual and physical health?
P: Exactly!
A: ‘What are some examples of spiritual attack and how can I protect myself?’
P: Any negative emotion can give satan a foothold.
Anger is one example (Ephesians 4:26-27), but filling your life with worry, addictions & un-forgiveness are also examples of how satan can gain a foothold in our lives.
It is really important to bring sin into the light and acknowledge and confess it as soon as we recognize its presence. Remember – there is strength in numbers. Seek out a pastor, member of your church or a trusted friend to pray with and counsel you and meet with them continually.
Get involved. Join a recovery group at your church, get plugged into a small group or bible study.
Most importantly – Dive into God’s word! Clothe yourself with the armour of God so you can speak God’s truth over yourself (Ephesians 6:10-18) in times of attack and test everything against the scriptures. If what your hearing/seeing doesn’t line up with God’s word it’s not from Him.
Through my own personal experience with spiritual healing, I found the best title for this blog to be ‘Spiritual Surgery’, because that’s exactly what it is – God working and fixing my broken parts and me being open to receiving the healing process.
Don’t be afraid to ‘Stand near the fire’. 
“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.”
– C.S. Lewis
