When John and I first moved to San Diego, we had trouble finding a church to call our home.
One of our weekly traditions when we lived in Chicago was to go on a frozen Yogurt date. We did this every Wednesday for years because it broke up the week and gave us something to look forward to as we have always adhered to a pretty regimented diet. We decided to continue this tradition when we made our move. Every week, we would go to a certain Yogurt place by the mall around 6 p.m.
One time when we were entering the shop, I noticed a rough looking guy with a Bible in front of him.
I excitedly whispered to John: “I think they are having a Bible study!”
He hushed me not to bother them or embarrass him, but I couldn’t contain my joy.
“Hey! You’re reading my favorite book! What are you guys doing over here?”
The group, startled by my interruption, began explaining they were a part of a weekly Biker Bible study. I boldly asked if they allowed riders of ten speeds and they warmly accepted us into the group, depsite the fact we had no street cred. We met with our friends every Wednesday night and after a while, I began to notice a woman who always appeared at the Starbucks next door. She was always there at the same time we were.
I brought this to John’s attention but he just shrugged it off and I eventually did, too. It didn’t seem like she was with anyone and something about her presence was peculiar and off-putting. I didn’t think about it much.
When the weather began getting cold, sitting outside with a cold cup of frozen yogurt didn’t seem appealing to us. So, John and I headed over to Starbucks to get a warm drink before our Bible Study. We noticed the woman sitting in her usual spot, so I smiled and waved because although we didn’t know her, she was a familiar face.
She began to speak, “I see you every week meeting for a Bible study.”
“Yes,” I was surprised she knew this because she never came close or spoke before. “Would you like to join us?”
“No. But, would you join me for a moment? She patted the seat beside her and shifted her body to make room.
We were waiting for drinks so I saw no harm in stopping for a minute to have a light conversation.
“It looks like you understand the power of prayer. Would you mind if I pray for you?” Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked.
I love to pray for people and I never want to be rude or stop the flow of God so without thinking hard, I quickly clipped, “Sure!”
John was annoyed. Our drinks were ready and I could tell by the look on his face he didn’t want to commit to a drawn out prayer. This was a stranger and he had no idea how long this would take.
To my surprise, she leaned over, her large breasts even more exposed. Reaching between them, she pulled out a small vial of oil.“I always keep anointing oil with me.” I flinched at her wink and smile. Never in all my life have I ever seen anyone pull out anointing oil in a way that made me blush with discomfort. But, here I was. Sitting before her. Already in agreement with her praying for me. John was in shock and just let her proceed.
The woman dabbed my forehead with oil and began to declare a blessing over me and after she was finished she said, “Oh my goodness! Look at the Holy Spirit glow upon your face! Go to the mirror!”
I thought she was just being nice or weird (I couldn’t decide) but then John said, “Wow. Your eyes really are super sparkly. You do have a glow.”
I got up and checked in the Starbuck’s bathroom mirror. Yes, something in my reflection sparked with an effervescence I hadn’t seen before. It was an odd yet familiar feeling as I felt like this the first time I had my first drink of alcohol.
I thanked her for the prayer, and we left to join the Bible study.
About two days later, I got very ill. I was VERY SICK for about 2 months with a mysterious illness we could not figure out. Within weeks, there was great distention in our normally easy-going group. There were arguments and offenses. People left and eventually, our Bible Study dismantled altogether.
Long after my time with these people, the Lord revealed to me that Satan had sent a witch to stop the move of God on our Bible study. I was ignorant of how the enemy worked; unaware that there is power in agreement. Now I know, it doesn’t matter if I offend someone, not anyone can lay hands on me and pray. Some people have made their bodies a conduit for witchcraft and spells. They may look harmless, but God will warn you. Back then, I was a naive, immature Christian too concerned with not offending someone to not stand up and walk out. I regret what happened to this great group of people, but I thought it was vital to share how the enemy works so you can avoid any pitfalls for yourself.
I did not listen to the red flags of my intuition. The warning signs were there:
- She denied joining our study, but seemed very interested in it at the same time.
- She was casing our group, waiting for the right moment to create chaos.
- She pushed her breasts out seductively and placed a vial of anointing oil in a blasphemous and unholy place.
- She asked for my permission to pray before she displayed any of these warning signs, therefore laying a trap of discomfort if I were to change my mind.
- She did not point to the glory of God but tried to trap me with looking in the mirror…glorifying myself! This is not God at all!
For the Bible warns:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8