Friday, March 28, 2025
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is not to tear down individuals or create division but to bring awareness to the harmful effects of false prophecy and spiritual abuse. My hope is to encourage discernment, healing, and restoration for those who may have experienced such pain, while also highlighting the importance of accountability and responsibility in spiritual leadership.
Late last year, I attended a conference called Build The Rise of the Architect. It was hosted by pastors I’ve known and respected for decades.
The atmosphere was filled with expectation as praise and worship ushered in the presence of God.
During one of the sessions, a guest speaker from America, someone I had never met before, approached me unexpectedly and asked if he could pray for me. I agreed, thinking, Why not? Prayer is always a blessing, and he’s been invited by the conference host, so they must know his spirit and character, right?
What followed left me shocked, confused, angry, and hurt. As the man prayed, his words felt heavy, almost manipulative.
Instead of uplifting or affirming God’s Word, he came to tear down my character and name. His tone was accusatory, his demeanour narcissistic and controlling - far removed from the humility and grace of the Holy Spirit. His approach was also completely different to other people I met and respect from this event and came as a shock to me.
As his words unfolded, I felt the Holy Spirit whispering to me: This is not from Me! You know My voice. This is NOT My voice.
What happened next took me by surprise. As the man prayed, I quietly prayed in tongues, only for him to abruptly tell me, "Stop praying!"
This jolted the Spirit of God within me. Why would anyone interrupt such sacred communion with God? Still, I remained respectful, praying under my breath even as his words tried to tear me down.
In that moment, I felt frozen. I hoped someone would step in. These were pastors who had walked with me through many seasons of my life. They knew my character, my heart, my journey and the truth about the lies being spoken over me. Yet, no one defended me.
Their silence felt like betrayal.
How could they allow this to happen publicly, especially when they later admitted privately that what had been said was untrue? Why didn’t anyone stand up when it mattered most?
This encounter wasn’t just about one man, it was about a spirit operating through him. The Spirit of Jezebel, as described in Scripture, seeks to manipulate, control, and tear down God’s people. It operates through pride, narcissism, and false authority, often hiding behind a guise of spirituality.
In 1 Kings 19, Jezebel’s influence sought to destroy Elijah, God’s prophet, through intimidation and fear.
Similarly, the Spirit of Jezebel today seeks to sow confusion, fear, and division, especially within the Body of Christ. It often works through individuals in positions of influence, twisting God’s Word to manipulate and harm others.
This spirit was evident in the guest speaker’s actions. His prayer wasn’t to build me up or encourage my walk with Christ, it was designed to tear me down, sow doubt, and control.
As believers, we must discern when the Spirit of Jezebel is at work and boldly rebuke it in the Name of Jesus!
I wanted to relay this story not to seek sympathy, but to spread the message to be aware such people exist. And if you have experienced such an impact on you, you are not alone - and more importantly this is not the true Word of God.
The Bible warns us in 1 John 4:1: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Just because someone is invited to a platform doesn’t mean their words are God sent. Some come from a place of insecurity, jealousy, bitterness or pride.
False prophecy can harm deeply, causing confusion and spiritual pain. But take heart—God is your defender, and His truth always prevails. In my case I took solace in His words from Psalm 56, which I found most apt: "My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid."
Spiritual abuse isn’t just damaging to your faith—it can have profound effects on your spiritual, mental, and physical health. These experiences don’t just hurt emotionally; they can disrupt your well-being in ways you might not initially realise:
1. Spiritual Impact
Separation From God: Being subjected to false prophecy or manipulative spiritual leadership can cause feelings of disconnection or mistrust in your relationship with God. Over time, this can lead to spiritual stagnation and even doubt in your faith.
Shame and Guilt: False words can make you question your worth and lead to internalised shame, which hinders your ability to experience God’s grace and love.
2. Mental Impact
Anxiety and Depression: Manipulative or false spiritual guidance can cause confusion, fear, and low self-esteem, contributing to long-term mental health struggles like anxiety and depression.
PTSD or Religious Trauma Syndrome (yes it exists!): Repeated spiritual abuse can lead to symptoms similar to PTSD, such as hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, or avoidance of religious spaces.
3. Physical Impact
Chronic Stress: Spiritual abuse often triggers prolonged stress, which affects the body’s ability to function optimally.
Immune System Suppression: Chronic stress weakens your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to illness.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): Emotional distress, especially related to spiritual abuse, can exacerbate gut health issues, including IBS.
Heart Health: Long-term stress and unresolved emotional pain increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even heart failure.
Life-Threatening Risks: In extreme cases, the cumulative toll of spiritual, mental, and physical harm can lead to burnout and premature death.
Recognising these effects is the first step in addressing the root cause and taking practical steps toward healing and restoration.
The Bible is clear that leaders are not above correction, especially when their words or actions harm others. Here’s how to approach such situations:
1. Start Privately
Matthew 18:15-17 teaches us to address offenses privately first. If the individual doesn’t respond, escalate the matter with witnesses, and if necessary, address it publicly.
2. Speak Boldly When Necessary
Paul’s public rebuke of Peter in Galatians 2:11-14 shows the need for open confrontation when actions mislead or harm others. Similarly, harmful words or actions may require a public response, especially when they contradict God’s truth.
3. Trust God’s Timing
In moments when you feel frozen, like I did, know that God sees and knows everything. He will vindicate you in His perfect time.
The actions of this guest speaker—and the silence of those I respected—left me deeply wounded. But through prayer, I found comfort in God’s presence and His Word. Psalm 34:18 reminds us: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Healing takes time. If you’ve experienced spiritual abuse, remember these steps:
1. Reject False Words
If someone speaks over you in a way that doesn’t align with Scripture or the Holy Spirit, you have every right to reject it.
2. Guard Your Heart
Proverbs 4:23 says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Don’t let false words take root.
3. Forgive and Release
Even if you never receive a public apology, choose forgiveness. Letting go of bitterness allows God to restore your peace.
4. Lean Into God’s Voice
Cultivate a personal relationship with God. Don’t rely solely on prophetic words from others. You have direct access to Him (Hebrews 4:16).
Spiritual abuse takes a toll on your overall well-being. That’s why it’s crucial to focus on healing your spiritual, mental, and physical health.
As a step towards restoration, I invite you to join my private exclusive membership program. As a bonus, you’ll receive my mini-course, Genesis Health, designed to help you build a healthier you with God in just four days.
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Ultimately, no human words—no matter how cutting or false—can tear down what God is building in you. Trust His voice above all others. Let His truth guide your path as you move forward in healing, hope, and wholeness.
Remember: God is your defender. What the enemy meant for harm, He will use for good! Check out how God took me from brokenness to purpose and He will do the same for you!
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