For some reason, prayer isn't working. A strange occurance happens...usually after prayer I get a "reminder" that the problem is still there,Don't know what this means.Before the prayer, the problem might have had a "quiet time."After the prayer, it kicks back in. The opposite of what you would think would happen. It makes the prayer look powerless. What's up?The devil involved?
I've seen other believers struggle with this and struggled myself. For example, praying against something and then giving into that same addiction/bad habit, even though it brings no pleasure. It was sooooo frustrating. I felt like an amnesiac. Or for someone battling a sickness, symptoms flare up right after prayer. In spiritual warfare, when we begin to fight, the enemy retaliates. He's terrified of our prayers because he knows how much they avail. If he can discourage us and we lay down our arms, there might be "quiet time" because he's "rewarding" us for surrendering to his abuse. If we keep surrendering, he brings us into chains and the curses of his people. It can be tempting to give in for a bit of peace, until we remember he's a cruel master who blinds his own servants. It's also encouraging to remember that warfare is difficult for him as well. God's angels of light are incredibly more powerful than angels of darkness. The Lord's army fights on our behalf. We're treading on his head. We're exhausting him. It we stop, it gives him much needed rest, so he pulls back. If we continue steadfast in faithful prayer, the enemy has to flee. He only hates us because of the Holy Spirit in us and the glorious image we're being transformed into. The perfect Glory of God!
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
2 Corinthians 3:17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.