Step One: Call for help
Here's the situation: you are convinced that someone special to you has been afflicted with horror of possession. You've either talked to a pastor or read enough about it (See my article "Signs of the Devil" here) to be fairly sure. What you have experienced has you at your wits end. Someone close to you has become a living abomination, poisoned by the hand of Satan.
First, do not panic. Second – call a professional for help, like myself. DO NOT try to take this thing on all by yourself. I know of four emergency room visits, two long-term mental health facility stays and one casket – all because well meaning people thought they could go it alone. Don't do it.
Step Two: Ease the Pain
The afflicted is likely undergoing periods of extreme torment and moments of peace and lucidity. Try to make them as comfortable as possible.
• Remove all outside stresses – no calls from work, no family squabbles – keep them as calm and
quiet as you can
• Keep them in bed if possible, with the curtains down
• If they're hot, cool them with a wet rag on the forehead – If they're cold, add another blanket and
turn up the heat. It can vary depending on the demon tormenting them
• Religious objects can distress and cause physical pain to an afflicted person. Remove them
for the time being
quiet as you can
• Keep them in bed if possible, with the curtains down
• If they're hot, cool them with a wet rag on the forehead – If they're cold, add another blanket and
turn up the heat. It can vary depending on the demon tormenting them
• Religious objects can distress and cause physical pain to an afflicted person. Remove them
for the time being
Step Three: Remain Calm
I touched on this in the beginning of this article – but it bears repeating. DO NOT take action on your own. You may put the afflicted – or yourself – at risk.
• Do not tie up or in any way restrain the person, unless they are truly violent
• Do no hit, whip, or in any way abuse them
• Do not starve or deprive them of water
• Do not antagonize or stress the afflicted out – in some cases this can cause a violent response
• Do no hit, whip, or in any way abuse them
• Do not starve or deprive them of water
• Do not antagonize or stress the afflicted out – in some cases this can cause a violent response
Step Four: Have Faith
Most important – you've got to believe. Believe that the power of Christ will cast out the demon. Believe in your loved one who is afflicted – this isn't their fault. Forgive any trespasses they may have committed against you.
As terrifying and disturbing as a possession may be, most cases are resolved in a positive way. In the end it often means a renewal of faith in those affected, and a more joyful, connected life through Jesus Christ.
Believe in Him.
Reverend Cotton Marcus