Are you frustrated with people who are doing negative things under the influence of the enemy? (Satan)  Do you frequently deal with those who are creating stress in your life by the ungodly things they say? What if I told you that there was a way to deal with them that actually works?

This remedy is effective with things that people say and do, and it even works on their sarcastic eye rolls! (Really, I promise!)

My friend and personal intercessor, Cindy Georg and I spiritually strategize and pray on a regular basis. We’ve seen mind blowing things happen, and I’m going to tell you one of my favorite stories before this post is over. But first, let’s go to Ephesians 6:10-18. 

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Cindy studied this extensively the past few weeks and shared a few things with me this week that I really needed to be reminded of.  Some of what she shared, I am including in this post.

In verse 10, the word “finally,” doesn’t mean that this is the last thing Paul wanted to mention. One commentary says that it could read like this: “As far as the rest of life and it’s challenges are concerned.” This can be taken to mean that we are not alone as we struggle. The Holy Spirit walks with us through all of our life’s challenges and gives us the power we need to overcome the attacks we face.

We need the whole armor of God to win the battle against the enemy. Ephesians 6:13, it says, “that you may be able to withstand…” The word withstand as it is used here comes from the word anthistemi, where we get the word antihistamine, or “to stand against.” It signifies vigorously opposing something, bravely resisting, standing face-to-face against an adversary, and standing your ground.

Consider what we know this word to mean today. Antihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine which is a chemical released by the body in response to an allergic reaction. Do you know what it is like to have an allergy flare up? It’s miserable, right? In my experience, within just a few minutes of taking an allergy pill, the negative effects start to go away. Just as an antihistamine puts a block on histamine, anthistemi tells us that with the authority and spiritual weapons given to us, we can withstand evil forces. When something comes from the enemy, we can “put a block on it” just as antihistamine puts a block on histamine! When Cindy explained this to me, I got so excited I hit my steering wheel with a resounding, “YES!” Whatever the enemy is throwing at us, we can quite literally put a block on it.

As I’ve been praying over things that I know are not of God, I’ve been addressing them by praying a block on them. And, it’s working. I encourage you — you do not have to simply accept what the enemy is dishing out…you can put a block on it.

Our battle is not with people. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” However, it’s of note that flesh and blood is usually involved. The enemy uses people to try to accomplish what he wants to do. He may use them to say or do things, at his bidding. Most of the time, they are unaware they are being used. You can not only block whatever negative thing is being said or done through prayer, but you can also pray for a bridle on their tongue.

The Bible speaks of carefully bridling our tongue. The purpose of bridling our own tongue is to control what we say — so that we do not cause any harm by negative talk, sowing any type of gossip, division, or harm in general. This comes from James Chapter 1 which says, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.” (James 1:26) This verse underscores that real Christianity is shown by a person’s ability to control what they say…even going to far as to suggest that our words reflect the state of our heart or our walk with God. Our words reflect whether we are a true believer…or not. (“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36)

While we are to be concerned with bridling our own tongue more than anyone else’s, we can also pray that God would put a bridle on anyone’s tongue, particularly those who would speak anything that is ungodly, negative or divisive. Pray that He will block them from speaking anything that isn’t pleasing to God.

It’s important to note that in praying for a bridle or a block you aren’t praying anything negative on anyone. (To pray something negative or harmful on a person is actually witchcraft.) Praying for a block or a bridle is to pray that God’s will be done.

So, as an example… if you go into work each day stressed about a co-worker that speaks curses all day, gossips and creates havoc with her words, pray that there be a bridle on her tongue. Pray that she would speak only blessings.

Verse 18 says to pray at all times in the Spirit. We can use all different types of prayer in the Spirit as we are led by the Spirit. We must be watchful like a watchman on a wall, watching out for how the enemy comes against each of us.

I love being a witness up-close-and-personal as to how God works, as well as re-telling of His goodness to others. I promised a story at the beginning of this post…

Years ago when we were still pastoring at our previous church in Maryland, there were many occasions to pray with Cindy — who was a member of our church,  as well as our mutual close friend, Susan Morgan, who is also a very strong intercessor. One day I was sharing with both of them that I was uneasy about the upcoming holidays when we would be hosting a gathering at our home. I was specifically concerned about a person who would often stir up arguments and strife. Susan and Cindy joined me in prayer weeks before, believing for a peaceful holiday gathering. I asked them to pray specifically that no negative talk could enter my home. Susan took it a step further and said, “I think we should pray that it won’t even occur on your property! Why don’t you anoint the four corners of your property and pray that no negative word will be spoken on the property?”

Before the big day, I walked our property and prayed, paying special attention to the property lines, anointing the corners of our yard. When the day for the gathering came, what happened was comical. In keeping with what we had prayed, no negative words were spoken in our home. But they weren’t spoken on the property either! The particular person I was concerned about was a smoker, and each time she wanted to smoke she would go outside. I peeked out the window and could see her out front, pacing back and forth in front of our house. She took care to stand just over our property line in the street, walking and smoking and muttering to herself. It was clear she was speaking some negative words while she kicked at rocks on the ground and smoked. It was hilarious to me that she was out there muttering, but did not bring her words even an inch over the line into our yard. I couldn’t wait to later tell Cindy and Susan that not one negative word had even come over the property line…just as we had prayed!

What do you need to pray a block or a bridle on? I encourage you to do it today, and I can’t wait to hear your testimony.