Test of Authority

“And it happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortunetelling.  Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, ‘These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.’” Acts 16:16-17, NAS.

Bill* had already cast a demon out of a young woman, but he wanted to be sure that God had given him authority over the spirits that often oppress his people. Walking through the village one bright morning he saw a way to test what he thought was true. An occult healer, or witchdoctor, was on one of his periodic visits to the village.

He stood shaking his hands over his patient. His eyes glowed red, which is a sign that the spirit is channeling healing power through him. A crowd had gathered around. Some came to watch, and others to be healed. Bill edged through the crowd to get closer to the witchdoctor. He wanted to see if the spirit would react to his presence. Bill didn’t have to wait long to know the answer to his question.

The witchdoctor stopped shaking his hands and straightened up. He looked straight at Bill and said, “I know who you are!” Bill smiled. He knew that it was true. God was greater than evil spirits, and the spirits recognized God’s power in him. Bill realized that he could not hide who he was, but that he didn’t need to because the power of God is far greater than any other spirit.

*Name changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

Bill will not hide who he is in Christ, but that God will use him to cast out demons and set people free from spiritual bondage.

New believers among Bill’s people will quickly understand the authority they have in Christ.

The powers of darkness will be broken among Bill’s people as believers stand on their authority in Christ to the glory of God.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.