The reality of spiritual warfare and the victory believers have through the cross of Christ and prayer are well-documented in Scripture. The power of the cross over demonic forces is rooted in the victory Jesus achieved over sin and death. Colossians 2:15 states, “Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” This verse affirms that Jesus’ death and resurrection have indeed disarmed the spiritual powers of darkness.

When you experience deliverance from demonic oppression through the cross or prayer, several indicators can help you discern whether it is real:

1. Transformation: True spiritual deliverance often results in tangible change in one’s life. This could include freedom from certain fears, a newfound peace, or a change in habits or desires that were previously unbreakable. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, indicating that spiritual encounters with God lead to real, observable change.
2. Consistency with Scripture: Deliverance that comes from God will always align with biblical truth. The Bible is clear that Jesus has authority over all powers and principalities (Ephesians 1:20-22), and that believers have been given authority in Jesus’ name to overcome the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). If your experience of deliverance leads you closer to the truths of Scripture, it is a good sign that it is not merely in your head.
3. Peace: As mentioned earlier, one of the hallmarks of God’s presence is peace. Philippians 4:7 talks about the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” If after your experience, you find a peace that doesn’t seem to make sense from a human perspective, it may be a sign of God’s intervention.
4. Confirmation through Community: Sharing your experience with other mature Christians can provide confirmation and encouragement. The Christian community can offer discernment and wisdom to help you understand your experience. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
5. Enduring Faith: An encounter with the living God often results in a deeper, more resilient faith. If you find that your trust in God and His Word has deepened, and your desire to live according to His will has increased, it’s a strong indication that your experience was genuine.

It’s also crucial to recognize that faith itself is a belief in what we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Consequently, there may not always be empirical evidence to prove the reality of a spiritual encounter. However, the fruits of such an encounter, like those mentioned above, can serve as evidence of its genuineness.

Lastly, remember that God desires a relationship with His children, and He is capable of reaching us in our deepest need. If you’ve called out to Him in prayer and felt deliverance, it’s important to thank Him for His intervention, even as you seek understanding. Trusting God’s goodness and His power to save is foundational to walking in freedom and faith.