by Rehema Jonathan | 13 April 2020 08:46 am04
QUESTION:
Shalom. I’ve been experiencing a strange issue at night. I sometimes feel frozen—as if I can’t move my hands, legs, or even speak. My mind remains alert, but I can’t do anything physically. I usually try to call on the name of Jesus, and although it takes some time, eventually I’m released. What could this mean? Please help me understand.
ANSWER:
What you’re experiencing is commonly described by many people, and it can have both a natural explanation (like sleep paralysis) and a spiritual dimension—especially in the context of your experience with prayer and the name of Jesus.
From a spiritual and biblical perspective, such experiences often represent spiritual warfare or battles that take place in dreams or in the spiritual realm. The key detail is that when you call on the name of Jesus, the oppressive state eventually breaks. This suggests that God may be revealing to you the power and authority that lies in Jesus’ name especially in moments of weakness or spiritual attack.
The Bible confirms that God communicates through dreams.
“For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds.”
Job 33:14–15
So, a dream or experience where you are being attacked, frozen, or overwhelmed but find deliverance through Jesus can be a message from God meant to teach or prepare you for deeper spiritual truths.
In all the examples you’ve described whether it’s battling demonic forces, feeling voiceless, or paralyzed victory comes when the name of Jesus is invoked. This is consistent with Scripture.
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
Philippians 2:9–10 (NIV)
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.”
Mark 16:17 (NIV)
The fact that victory comes as you persist in calling on Jesus shows that God is reminding you of your spiritual weapon—the authority found in Christ’s name. But this power is most effective when it’s grounded in a personal relationship with Him.
Simply mentioning Jesus’ name without understanding or living in Him is not enough. Spiritual authority comes through deep connection to Jesus and His Word.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
John 15:7 (NIV)
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’”
Luke 10:17–19 (NIV)
So your experience is a reminder that real spiritual power comes not just from saying the right words but from knowing Jesus deeply and walking in obedience to His Word.
Some dreams like the one you described, where you feel frozen or unable to move, are also similar to real physical phenomena like sleep paralysis. However, in some spiritual cases, this can serve as a revelation.
It may also be God showing you what it feels like at the moment of death or spiritual separation from the body.
“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”
Ecclesiastes 12:7 (ESV)
Many who’ve had near-death experiences report being conscious and aware while their body was lifeless. If your dream felt real, it could be God’s way of showing you that life continues after death, and the spiritual realm is very real. This raises a deeper question for every believer: Are we prepared for where our soul will go when we leave our body?
The main message from your experience is this:
God is teaching you that victory over spiritual darkness comes through the power of Jesus’ name and that name becomes most powerful in your life when you’re rooted in Him and His Word.
Use this dream as a wake-up call to grow deeper in your faith, study Scripture, and walk closely with Christ.
May you be strengthened and encouraged in your walk with the Lord.
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