Stripper Possessed by Demons Experiences Freedom Through the Gospel

May 30, 2014 05:06 PM EDT

Julie Shalom Jordan
The former exotic dancer found a new life in Christ (Photo: Facebook)

Julia Shalom Jordan remembers fear pulsing through her body as she sat alone in a psychiatric ward.

"All these voices kept coming out of me, different voices," she said. "Little girl voices and then angry, growling voice telling me I was worthless."

In her book "Breaking Free From Demonic Forces," Julia says her experience with demon possession was the direct result of a series of bad choices and continually turning away from God.

The Chicago native grew up in the church and was continually told how much God loved her. She dedicated her life to Christ at a young age, experiencing the joy and love that comes with being a Christian.

However, after attending college, Julie became frustrated with her inability to live a perfect life.

"I knew I'd always be falling short," she said. "I knew I'd never be good enough."

Eventually, she walked away from the church and became an exotic dancer in order to pay for her schooling. After quitting school, she began modeling career and met her husband, John.

Although John was a supportive, encouraging husband, Julie continued to dance at strip clubs, shortly rising to the top of her game. Yet something kept pulling at her heart-telling her she was worth more than such a lifestyle.

"I realized that it was God, and God was telling me I needed to stop dancing. I realized that after all God has done for me, I can't break his heart-I began to feel bad about dancing."

Around this same time, Julia lost a close friend to a heart attack, making her realize the importance of living for God. She opened the bible-and the words were piercing. Julia was particularly struck by Matthew 18:9, which states, "And if your eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you: it is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire."

"That verse has a lot to do with my job," she said. "I realized I needed to cut my losses and serve the Lord."

Yet, Satan tried to maintain a hold on Julia's heart.

As she continued reading the Bible she felt a strange presence in the room with her.

"I'm lying on the bed and suddenly my hands go-- and my feet are to the bed post. It felt like something was around my fist and ankles. A unknown, growling voice ripped through my body saying, "I hate you, I hate you," Julie reveals.

Terrified, she called her mother, who instantly came over to pray with her.

For the next several months, Julia experienced multiple episodes with voices tormenting her, telling her she was not good enough for a relationship with Christ.

But it wasn't until she tried to jump out of the car as her husband was driving that Julie checked into a psychiatric hospital.

"I said, God, if you're real, I need help. I can't fix this alone," said her husband.

The couple found a church that knew how to help Julia through the ordeal. But first, the both John and Julia knew they must give their lives to Christ.

"Lord, I've lived for the devil my whole life," Julie prayed. "Now, I'm going to live for you."

After dedicating her life to Christ, Julia felt a complete, physical change. She says the Word of God filled her so much that the devils expelled themselves, freeing her completely from demon possession. Today, Julia no longer dances, and she and John continually study the Bible, building their faith together.

"I thank the Lord, because He continually reminds me of His goodness," she says. "Living for the Lord is a great adventure."