As a believer in Jesus Christ, I would often find myself going through an assortment of trials and challenges of varying intensity...
And one particularly big challenge has been with the man in the cell next to mine.
Although he and I got along well for the most part, he was extremely noisy, disruptive and combative with others his age. He seemed to enjoy luring other prisoners to his cell, where he would look for opportunities to start an argument over something that would invariably lead to a prolonged shouting match. Much of the time, it took the shouts to "Shut up!" from the officer on duty to bring order.
Thankfully, as of a few days ago, he was transferred. Praise the Lord was all I could say. A major spiritual victory! More than a year of daily aggravation has now come to an abrupt end. And now begins the process for God to renew my strength (Isaiah 40:28-31).
I have been in a state of physical and emotional exhaustion having to deal with what I would call a "vampire spirit." Someone who, due to his selfish actions and probably without even realizing it, was sucking the life out of me.
My ex-neighbor was a big hindrance in many ways. At times, I found myself unable to read my Bible, write letters or write in my journal. It was spiritual warfare, indeed. But it's all in the past now. In fact, as of yesterday, a new inmate has taken that cell. He's a man in his fifties, who appears to be quiet and polite.
Answered prayer, finally!
D.B.
Although he and I got along well for the most part, he was extremely noisy, disruptive and combative with others his age. He seemed to enjoy luring other prisoners to his cell, where he would look for opportunities to start an argument over something that would invariably lead to a prolonged shouting match. Much of the time, it took the shouts to "Shut up!" from the officer on duty to bring order.
Thankfully, as of a few days ago, he was transferred. Praise the Lord was all I could say. A major spiritual victory! More than a year of daily aggravation has now come to an abrupt end. And now begins the process for God to renew my strength (Isaiah 40:28-31).
I have been in a state of physical and emotional exhaustion having to deal with what I would call a "vampire spirit." Someone who, due to his selfish actions and probably without even realizing it, was sucking the life out of me.
My ex-neighbor was a big hindrance in many ways. At times, I found myself unable to read my Bible, write letters or write in my journal. It was spiritual warfare, indeed. But it's all in the past now. In fact, as of yesterday, a new inmate has taken that cell. He's a man in his fifties, who appears to be quiet and polite.
Answered prayer, finally!
D.B.
