Opened Heavens: Nov. 22nd 2017
Pitch black filled the backdrop for stars, their brightness illuminating the quiet village. I was on a simple road with little around me except for lush gardens covered with pomegranate trees alternating with thick grass and tilled farm fields. Homes dotted the area. Construction on mansions towered over the simpler homes located around them.
It is normally a very enjoyable, relaxing walk during the day, most commonly strolled during a late Sunday afternoon. But this night was different.
I was on a full out sprint covering the mile or so as fast as I could. The destination: the pier. A place that was calm. A place where I could disappear. Adrenaline pumped through me. My heart pounded and my lungs burned, trying to give my body the required oxygen to hold the pace my legs willed to keep.
Pain radiated throughout my body and my brain went into overdrive trying to deliver signals that I should stop. But there was no way I was stopping now. Determination set in and the pain dissipated. Six minutes and twenty-two seconds later I reached the rocks. My breathing like that of someone held under water too long. I could only manage gasps.
“Why Lord?” I said, walking with hands clasped over my head, enraged and confused.
~~
The day’s activities came flooding back to memory with a punch. This gift of seeing into the spiritual realm felt like it was destroying me. While I know the Holy Spirit only gives good gifts meant for His glory, I’m also fully aware that the enemy tries to take what is not theirs. They drop lies into people’s minds and tell them the exact opposite of Jesus. But at the moment, I felt as though I might be going crazy.
The evening started with a late dinner. Approximately 7pm. The teams sat together, enjoying bread and salad as accompaniments to chicken sprinkled with cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, cumin and pepper. Small talk about the day went around the table. Laughter mixed with occasional serious nods in agreement of a certain tough situation. Nothing was amiss. At least, not on the surface.
Yet, there is one thing that is always present. The spiritual world. I’m not talking about ghosts or paranormal happenings. I’m talking about angels and demons. I’m talking about what is allowed into our lives through sin and deception. I’m also talking about the Warriors that stand guard, protecting us from the things that seek to destroy. And because both are ever present, there is a constant battle.
As someone who loves Jesus and has a deep relationship with him, I know that I am called to wage war on the enemy. To pray and intercede for those around me.
We are told to ask for spiritual eyes. Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” (Eph. 1:18 NASB) As followers of Jesus, we must be aware of the battle raging around us so that, through prayer, we can stand in the gap for those who are hurting. So we can speak Holy Spirit’s life and truth.
I sat there listening to stories from the day. Listening to answered prayers and prayer requests. Listening to fun things happening back home. Joyful described the atmosphere.
But something else moved through the room. It had the swiftness of a deer and the size of a rhino. Black smoke trailed the demon. My appetite instantly vanished and my heart felt an intense piercing pain. The Lord was opening my eyes.
A group who were staying the night in the hotel sat at a far table. My gaze stayed with them as demons moved across their table like snakes sliding through cups, food, and even over their bodies. Some sat hunched over as a creature, best described as the decayed carcass of a ram mixed with a human dripping dark red blood across the floor, placed chains onto their backs. You could see the pain move in the eyes of those sitting huddled in the group.
The scene was detailed, heavy, and intense. But as forceful as the enemy may appear, a far more powerful and awe-inspiring presence dwells.
Jesus.
My body felt like it was being electrocuted. Strong pulses moved from head to toe. Pushing my food back, I stood and half ran, half walked to my room. The door felt like cardboard as adrenaline coursed through me.
I pushed my face into the pillow and cried. I knew that God was giving me the gift of opening my spiritual eyes, but it felt like too much.
Jesus answers prayers. I asked God to give me a revelation of the battle and his heart for people.
You may have heard the lie, “Better be careful what you ask God for.” But that’s nonsense. God only gives good gifts. Or, another one I’ve heard a lot is “Jesus will never give you more than you can handle.” My response is that He loves to give you more than you can handle because then you rely on faith and his mercy and grace to get through things. Without discomfort there is no need to have outside help. There is no need to grow. With discomfort comes growth and a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit.
So, I laid there a mess. On one hand, I was grateful that I knew how to intercede for people. On the flip side, I wanted to curl up and not move. I was left with a decision. Either pursue the Holy Spirit and dive into who He is and push into the pain or give up. Well, I chose the former since giving up is not something I will do. But I needed help and, I needed to get away. That’s when I decided to run the adrenaline off.
~~
My breathing started to slow as I walked to the edge of the pier, praying as fast as thoughts flew through my mind. Huge rocks separated calm water from water crashing against them on the other side. I found a spot right above a point of contact between the two. Then I tuned my ipod to worship music, and started praying. Praying for revelation and help. For more tools to make this burden more doable.
One desire of mine since the race started has been to pray in tongues. I grew up strongly disliking when people prayed in tongues. It bugged me and I hated the sound. It seemed a bunch of babble. However, being around it for the last five months and seeing the huge benefit, I wanted to have this gift. I just didn’t know how to get it. I stood on the rocks praying for wisdom to replace anxiety. Praying for the healing of souls.
Demons flew overhead like vultures ready to feast. Massive bat-like wings with scales and feathers fluttering behind them. They looked down, their jaws dripping with death. I closed my eyes trying to shut them out.
Forty-five minutes of praying and warring with the enemy ensued. Then I decided to try. To try speaking in tongues. I turned my music louder so I couldn’t hear myself talking. First time, a bunch of awkward noises.
“Lord, I am not leaving these rocks until I can speak in tongues. I need your help and peace!” I yelled into the rushing waves and expanse of sky.
I tried again, music loud, speaking things that might sound like a different language. Nothing. Then my heart started beating out of my chest. And I felt a deep energy and love that I’ve never before experienced.
Now.
I took a deep breath and looked into the sky. Sounds like a movie scene, all goofy and such. I released the air in my chest and started praying. Praying clarity and insight. And then it happened. My mouth started moving, speaking a language not from this world. Peace, love, joy, comfort and rest filled my spirit. Shivers spiraled from head to toe again and again. Tears welled up at the release of fear and anxiety leaving the space.
I stood there praising Jesus at the top of my lungs. Shouting his name in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere. I wanted to jump in the water and swim forever. (Bad idea that quickly left.) But I stood there in awe of how big my God is. That He would pour out His grace and mercy on a sinner like me. That He died for me so that I may experience freedom and life.
The demons vanished into nothing. Gone in a blink of an eye. In their place was the most magnificent display of grace and mercy.
The sky opened up, shooting light through the darkness of night. Angels the size of skyscrapers stood in different areas playing music like I’ve never heard before. The most peaceful, relaxing sound you can imagine. They sang as a heavenly host worshiping God. The nighttime sky burst with vibrant colors of red, blue, purple, and many more dancing across the ocean. My jaw dropped open. This was really happening! I lifted my hands and started worshipping with the Angels. It lasted for three hours. Worship, prayer, and a deep desire to connect more with Jesus. Breathtaking, awe-inspiring, magnificent were my attempt to explain the magnitude of what I saw. Eventually it ended as I turned homeward.
The run back was different. Some moments I was skipping, others I was running like gravity didn’t exist.
All I can say is God is good. His mercies are new every day and He wants to bless everyone. I pray you are enjoying his gifts and experiencing more of him every day.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and financial support!
All glory to God,
Eli
