I have a question...

[e0nz]

I was baptized as a Catholic when I was still an infant and for most of my life believed in Jesus and God. I had some problems with friends and smoking marijuana and those things led me to have less faith in God when I was with my group of “friends”. I stopped smoking marijuana and don’t hang out with my friends. I wrote this so that whoever is answering my question will have a little background information. Here’s another thing about me, I recently stopped masturbating and plan to give up this dirty habit for good. Now to my question: Today I was registering for my classes in college and I was in a pretty big line. The women behind me spoke Spanish with her daughter and the moment she started to speak I felt something wrong. She was speaking in a very low seductive voice and I tried my hardest not to think any negative thoughts (since I used to watch a lot of pornography). It was difficult not paying attention to her because she was right behind me and my heart felt uneasy and my body started to shake a little. Not only this but the air got a little colder and I was seriously starting to feel sick. It was hard not to pay attention because she was directly behind me and kept talking about money this and money that. I finally got a hold of myself and prayed in my head and felt a little relieved. Was this women the devil?

 

[1ke]

Get some spritual guidance from a holy priest in your local area.

 

[Jesusismyfriend]

I would agree with the person above, but I would say it probably wasn’t the devil. Satan was likely tempting you to fall back into old habits, but he does not need to appear as ahuman to do that. He could have used a common situation that might not tempt anyone else, and it was likely an innocent situation. The good thing is that when you were tempted you didn’t “run towards sin.” You chose to walk away instead. And when you do that, Satan begins to lose his power over you.

 

[Barbkw]

Was this women the devil?

No. You’re being affected by your mind wanting to fall back to its habitual compulsion.

Same thing happens when people try to stop smoking, drinking, eating, etc. Our addicted minds are not to be trusted for the 3 months during recovery.

Test everything

I’d recommend this priest’s work; he explains “discernment of spirits” from St. Ignatius of Loyola’s 14 Rules of Spiritual Discernment. His series is currently showing on EWTN:

Living the Discerning Life:

ewtn.com/series/shows/living-the-discerning-life/livingdiscerningepisodes.asp

Fr. Gallagher’s books:

amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=living+the+discerning+life&tag=googhydr-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=8619687517&ref=pd_sl_4j8k0rim1u_b

catholictv.com/Catholic-Discernment-of-Spirits.aspx

 

[Snugglebugmom]

Was this women the devil?

I suppose it is possible, but it seems highly unlikely.
Congratulations on finding your way back Home! I second what 1ke said, find a priest in your area who can help guide you and act as your spiritual director until you find yourself back on solid ground with regards to your faith.

 

[e0nz]

You have all been very helpful to me and I thank you all.

 

[Catholic1954]

She was not the devil, but he was using her to get to you. Next time this happens start praying the “Hail Mary” or the “Our Father”. If you ask for spiritual help, it will come.