08/21/08

Are Migraines From Satan?

Author: Roger Barrier

Dear Roger,

I am wondering what your perspective is on illness. I have chronic migraines and like many people, live in daily pain. When I attended Casas, some people in an ABF I joined blamed my illness on Satan and Generational Curses. Are all physical and mental illnesses caused by Satan or some kind of Curse? I grew up Mormon and this seemed to make them more sure that I was cursed in some way. Thanks.

Dear Sarah,

I grieve deeply for your misery. Few things are more debilitating than the onset and progression of a migraine headache attack. I have seen others suffer intently with this affliction. I am so sorry you have to endure them.

I know that migraines are highly disruptive. Ninety-one percent of migraine patients report functional impairment with their headaches. Fifty-one-percent report that work or school productivity is reduced by at least fifty-per-cent. Those statistics are compellingly gruesome.

I imagine that most people you encounter have little understanding of the throbbing pain, nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound and the difficultly you experience in accomplishing the most elementary of daily tasks. I am so sorry for the misery. I am sorry for the lingering headaches and physical exhaustion as the effects dissipate.

I am sorry for the mental struggle you experience as you worry about when the next migraine will strike. I know it is hard changing plans or making contingency plans in fear of your next episode.

I know that the throbbing pain can last from hours to days. I imagine that people close to you, unless they’ve experienced a migraine themselves, are usually hopelessly unable able to relate to the pain that you are feeling.

I know you carefully avoid some of the most obvious migraine triggers like irregular meal patterns, eating sweets or starchy foods or too much caffeine. I know you are careful to regulate your sleep patterns and to monitor emotional factors like excitement, fear, anxiety and stress. I know that weather changes, bright or glaring lights, loud noises and strong odors can trigger an attack. Of course, you are careful with alcohol and food additives like MSG and the nitrites in foods like pepperoni, luncheon meats and hot dogs. Hormone cycles or changes (menstruation, oral contraceptives, estrogen replacement can all place you at risk.

Yet, with all of your care, the migraines still strike.

No one knows exactly what precipitates migraines. Several possible causes—from serotonin neurotransmitter imbalances to a spreading depression of the cortex—are suspected. Whatever the ultimate cause or causes, nerve cells in the brain then release inflammation causing substances that cause constriction and swelling of the blood vessels. Pain and throbbing commence.

Now the cascade begins. The swelling and constricting of the vessels move back and forth in what I call a harmonic wave progression—back and forth and back and forth from front to back of the brain causing the intense throbbing of the migraine. (Incidentally, the auras or visions some see during a migraine attack result from the irritation in the occipital lobe where the brain interprets input form the eyes through the optic nerves which result in human sight.

With that background understanding of migraines, let me address your questions in detail. As I read your letter I sensed emotional pain and hurt. Forgive me if I am wrong, but your friends in ABF have sort of thrown the cause of your pain back into your own lap: “If you had not been Mormon then you would not have opened your life to a Satanic attack or surrendered to generational curses that may have caused your affliction.” You needed comfort from your friends it seems as if you experienced some condemnation. I am really sorry that happened to you—even though your friends obviously had your best interests at heart.

The reason that your friends in ABF brought those three things to you is because each of their concerns has some validity—and are worth looking into. So, let’s talk about that.

Are sicknesses ever caused by Satan? Yes! Paul’s experience in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 speaks for itself: “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’"

Are generational curses real? Yes! In expanding on the Ten Commandments God Himself described in Exodus 20:4-6 the transmission of sin and its consequences (including Satanic involvement and curses) from one generation to the next: "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

Can Migraines be caused by exposure to Mormonism?

The answer to this question might well be “yes”, as well. In one sense the foundation of Mormonism rests upon the transference of religious tenants from the angel, Maroni, to Joseph on a series of golden plates (which have never been seen or verified). The message of Mormonism with its steps to earn the highest heaven is in direct opposition to the gospel of salvation by faith in Christ and His saving work on the cross. Salvation is a free gift from God, not a reward to be earned (Galatians 2:8-9).

The connection of Mormonism with the curse comes from Paul’s teaching in Galatians 1:8-9: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” Participation in Mormonism is association with an organization which preaches a different gospel from the one Paul preached—and is thus under a curse.

Nevertheless, I doubt seriously that your migraines are a result of any of the above three things.

However, with as much suffering as you are enduring, and with such little available medical help presently, you certainly want to cover all the angles. I encourage people suffering with physical sicknesses to pray for God’s healing, and if healing does not occur then consider a Satanic attack—praying spiritual warfare prayers for deliverance. If the problem persists then consider that your migraines are one of the tragic results of a world created perfect by God which has fallen into disarray because of the sin (Genesis 3).

As you make “peace” with your affliction, I want to share with you a few Biblical reasons God may be allowing migraines into your life. I often use the following analytical questionsas a checklist to understand some of the pain and suffering in my life—and to be certain that I have covered all the bases as I ask God for healing. Remember that any particular trial may have one or more purposes.

First: Am I being punished for a sin I’ve committed (Joshua 7:10-12; John 5:14; 1 Corinthians 11:31-32; James 5:13-16)?

If so then confess your sin and God promises to remove it.

Second: Is This trial intended to keep me from future sin (2 Corinthians 12:7)?

If so, stop asking for relief and like Paul and enter into the experience of God’s grace: Christ said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient of you.” So, Paul decided to glory in his weaknesses because “when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Third: Is this suffering designed to increase my faith and god Dependence (Matthew 8:23-27)?

The faith of the Disciples soared when Jesus calmed the wind and the waves as they struggled to survive on Sea of Galilee. Watch for God’s hand at work in your sickness. You may find your faith soaring as well.

Fourth: Is this suffering designed for my personal growth and/or spiritual maturity (Job 23:10; Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 12:4-11)? Job understood the larger purpose of suffering: “He knows the way I take; and when He has tested me I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10).”

Fifth: Is God using this trouble so that His glory may be displayed in my life (John 9:1-3; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12)?

Sixth: Is God using this affliction to mold me into the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29)?

Seventh: Is it time to die. (Psalm 90:10; John 11:4)?

After all, bodies don’t last forever!

I have watched too many suffer and die in throughout the years of my life and ministry. Nevertheless, I have observed some beautiful truths in the lives of those who made “peace” with their afflictions and lived victoriously despite them.

First: Sometimes we are forced to live with mystery! we will understand everything later (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Second: Bruised hearts often emit the sweetest fragrance.

Third: One hour of intense trial often gives more insight into the deep meanings of life than years of success and prosperity.

Fourth: God has the right to give and to take away. Hold everything loosely.

Fifth: God never promised to remove every trouble. He did promise to provide the grace and strength we need to live through them.

Throughout my life I have used Paul’s words in Philippians 4:10-13 to get me through my most difficult times. I hope you find them blessed as well: “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who give me strength.”

Dear Sarah, again, I am so sorry for your pain and suffering. I think I know to some degree how difficult it is. I will pray for your recovery. I also pray for current research to find a cure for your affliction—whichever comes first.

Love, Roger