Giving it Up!

“And the LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8, NASB.

Many Christians from Johnny’s* culture struggle with occult attachments after they become followers of Jesus. Johnny was no exception. For several months he struggled with the decision of keeping or discarding an amulet that his grandfather had given him. He knew that the amulet was attached to demons and witch doctors. He didn’t want to dishonor his LORD, but he also didn’t want to dishonor his family.

Johnny and his Christian friends prayed that God would give grace to him in the eyes of his family as he honored his LORD. After praying Johnny was convinced that giving up the amulet was the right thing, and he needed to honor Jesus. He gave up the amulet and went to tell his family.

The first person he told was his mother. She was relieved. She admitted to Johnny that she had been afraid of him and his powers, and she was glad that he got rid of them. Then he called his grandfather who lived on another island. His response was, “The powers were a gift, and it is up to you if you keep them or give them up.” Johnny knew these miraculous responses from his family were God’s answer to his prayers for grace!

Johnny then decided to follow his LORD in baptism. Baptism seems to mean more to people from Asian cultures than it does in the United States. Many families will allow their children to be Christian, as long as they are not baptized. Baptism is seen as the point of no return; it is a declaration that a person is irrevocably dedicated to following Jesus. After Johnny was baptized, he started having problems with his family.

Johnny’s step-father started hitting his sister and swearing at him. He tried to protect his sister and was then kicked out of the house. His sister chose to go with him. Johnny is finishing his senior year in high school. He also works to pay for his school and support himself and his sister. He has not seen or talked to his mother or step-father since he got kicked out.

*Names changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

Johnny will stand firm and grow in his faith and find help from the LORD in his difficult circumstances.

Johnny will study the Bible so that he can develop a firm foundation of truth to build his life on.

Johnny’s family and many from his people group will come to a personal relationship with Jesus.

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