Don’t Hinder the Angels

Have you ever sat (or tried to pray) in a metal building alone while it was getting dark out and raining?!?! I am here to tell you: the sounds can truly bring out your inner scaredy cat. You hear every creak and crack the building has to offer, plus all the unsettling thoughts of your imagination. What a way to test your bravery!

So, a few months ago while in the said scenario, I decided (mostly as a means to drowned out the noise) to watch a sermon on YouTube instead of allowing my fear to overcome me. I was clearly too distracted for prayer and, albeit my first thought, running out of the building like a frightened child seemed foolish. Since the really intense, no-holds-barred preachers are my favorite, I began to search for apostolic sermons. Ahhhh [insert heavenly sound here], I found one! What a perfect message for the moment, Brother Lee Stoneking preaching about angels and angelic manifestations. It was powerful, and I was intrigued! (Oh, and those noises: the more I watched, the quieter they became.)

Angels became a focus of my study – their purpose, their presence, their appearances in the Word. I never realized how much I didn’t know about angels and their purpose in God’s design. (As a fairly new Christian, I have so much to learn!!) They are given charge over us, to protect us and minister to us. Psalms 91 says “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” But they are heavenly beings, we will hinder their works when we are not walking in the Spirit. Hear me on this one, there are literally angels whose sole purpose is to worship God. Day in and day out, worshipping the one true living God. It is only natural that they are attracted to holiness. A dead church service will not attract angels, a negative attitude will not attract angels, sinfulness will not attract angels. Holiness is key if you expect visitation of heavenly hosts. I’m not saying angels can’t work in any situation, but we have the power through Jesus to set the atmosphere for perfect working conditions. This is illustrated in the book of Daniel. It was by Daniel’s prayer and fasting that the angel was able to bring him the message from God he was seeking. This changed my perspective completely. I pray for angels around my daughter every night before we go to sleep, but was I setting a holy atmosphere for my requested guests? Would they (or Jesus) want to dwell in my household?? Ask yourself that question. Ask Jesus to reveal anything in your life that could hinder the angels.

Jesus, I want your perfect work in my life. Lord, I pray you reveal those things to me that may hinder my walk with you, that may hinder your angels. Give me strength to change and to seek after your wisdom in all that I do. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray! Amen!