Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The great cloud of witnesses includes those who have gone to heaven before us. It’s the grandma who faithfully prayed for you. The child that went to heaven before their parents is there too, along with the men and women of God who faithfully lived their lives in anticipation of seeing Jesus face-to-face. Imagine their faces and let that scene remind you that any moment of difficulty you encounter is not permanent.
In difficult times, remember those witnesses are cheering you on to finish your course on earth victoriously. Sadly, some think that killing themselves will end their difficulties and pain, but suicide won’t end anything. It just transfers you to what’s next. You are not just a physical body. You are a spirit that lives in a body and possesses a soul. Your spirit never dies.
Too often, people only focus on their natural circumstances, forgetting that their spirit is eternal, and it’s more real that the flesh and blood you can see and feel. Of course, you’re aware of the natural realm, but it’s important to remind yourself of the reality of things of the spirit.
God is real, and so are angels and demons. Whatever spiritual entities you allow into your life will influence you for good or evil. Evil spirits dominate some people because of ignorance, willingness, or open doors through which demons gain entrance.
Some common doors for demons could be the music people listen to, the things they watch on media, drugs they put in their bodies or other ongoing sin. We hear of stories of moms killing their children and they do not know why they did it. It was because demons dominated them.
Practical Application
Fellowship with God and expect His angels to work in your life. Put a guard around yourself from the enemy. Shield what you hear, watch, and what you do. Don’t allow sin to take hold in your life because it, too, is an open door to the devil.