Recognizing Spiritual Warfare—and Symptoms of the Spirit of Pan
I am not one that looks for demons or directly blames our adversary with every set back or challenge that befalls me.
We live in a fallen world whose ruler is out to kill, steal, and destroy. Thus, regular battles can be expected as simply part of our Christian life.
However, I do know there are times where we, or our local church, wage a spiritual war over-and-above the ordinary skirmishes of life. These are times of a direct assault by the underworld designed to defeat us. These battles are real, exhausting to our bodies, and challenging to our spirits. And, yes, greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world; but there can still be casualties in the battle if not a loss of life in the war.
We have been experiencing such a battle over the past several months within our congregation. It was a battle where some were experiencing above normal bouts of anxiety, a never-before panic attack, and a torment of mind of ‘what if’s’ that could not be turned off. Prayers had been prayed, but there was simply no relief.
Recognizing and Stilling the Spirit of Pan
Very early one morning I was awakened and went to my prayer closet with no knowledge of what to say, where to look, or what to really do to still this battle raging among our people.
I was taken to a blog written in January of 2014 and my eyes were opened to a new enemy. I have dealt with some of the well-known adversarial influencers like Jezebel and Python; and during my 34 years in ministry I have cast out demons several times from those possessed (once that has been experienced there can never be a doubt about the power of God and work of the devil.) But I never knew specifically of this enemy.
In “Bringing Down the Spirit of Pan” the author writes:
“Pan’s appearance is with horns, ears, and legs of a goat on a man’s body. His sudden appearance was supposed to cause terror similar to a stampeding herd. The word “panic” is derived from his name. Even today he is roaming to and fro devouring people with fear and panic. This spirit is responsible for deaths, panic and anxiety, heart attacks, hospitalizations, often resulting in people taking prescription drugs. People normally feel in their body that they can’t breathe and their heart begins to beat seemingly uncontrollably.”
I realized Pan was our specific enemy in this battle of uncontrollable anxiety, panic, and torment.
There was not much more written on the spirit of Pan as an adversary. However, I did find where he had no physical armament in hand. Rather, his voice was his weapon.
The hope of victory began to fill my spirit as Scriptures came alive knowing that the Lord can stop the mouths of the lion who walks about seeking whom he may destroy. And I prayed: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, in Whom there is all power and authority, silence the voice of Pan over (names inserted here) and send him away.”
There was a rush in my spirit that only comes from His presence; I knew God had heard my prayer.
I was going to see one of those I prayed for later that morning. Just as a confirmation, I asked the Lord that they would be awakened with a new hope, delivered from this torment. Indeed, when I had my visit they were totally different, totally relieved, and totally free!
Last Sunday, I shared this testimony in my sermon. In closing, I asked all in the congregation facing this same, extraordinary feeling of panic to go to our prayer area for prayer—and the area was filled with those seeking relief. Again, God heard our prayers, and many were set free!
I share this so those experiencing such a direct assault from this specific adversary today can have the victory in Jesus Name; and to equip us all to still the voice of the spirit of Pan in the battles that will come.
May the Lord open our understanding to the spiritual war being waged for the souls of humanity.
Amen.
