Matthew 16:23 “But [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (NKJV)

This rebuke of Peter, whom Jesus had previously called a “rock”, is one of His sayings that has stood out for me. One recent early morning, it came in very handy.

My wife became ill several months ago, and I brought her to the hospital. Her blood pressure was high and unstable. They admitted her for testing. The next day, they said that I could bring her home. When I entered her room, the head nurse said that she couldn’t leave because her blood pressure was still very unstable. I left disappointed.

That night, I fell asleep on my living room couch. At exactly 3:00 a.m., I felt a cold hand grab my left arm. Immediately, I awoke and saw a hairless, slate-coloured, grey arm holding me down. I thought that someone had broken into my home. I couldn’t see a face because he was wearing a monk’s-style robe with an attached hood over his head. All at once, I knew that it wasn’t a break-in. I was terrified. I felt an evil presence. He grabbed my right arm as I began to lift it, but I pulled it away. Remembering that my Bible was next to me on the coffee table, I placed my hand on it and yelled out loud, “Get behind me Satan, in the name of Jesus!” In a flash, he was gone. I believe that it was evil personified.

The following day, I was able to bring my wife home. Her blood pressure had stabilized and was back to normal. The doctors did not know what had happened or why, but I do. Praise God!

Wow! What a friend we have in Jesus! The sheer mention of His name is more powerful than any high-powered gun or rifle. I pray that those hearing or reading this will not have a similar experience, but if it does indeed occur, remember that our God is a true and living God Who is above all principalities. There is none else like Him.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for all that You do for us here on this earth. Sometimes, we forget that we can come to You for everything, whether great or small. All of our needs You are aware of. All we need to do is lay them at Your holy and blessed feet. Amen.

Larry Delia Ocean View, Delaware, USA