Sometimes in life things don’t go as we expect or how we have planned. For some of us, you maybe experiencing a refining period or a series of trials. Others may be going through a period of doubt, frustrated by a lack of fruit or production. While a few may even be going through a period of rebellion, mad at God for something that did or did not happen. During these times, Christians often give the devil a foothold, an open door to change your thought patterns or have a spirit of oppression restricting your freedom in Christ.
While visiting Philippi in Acts 16:16-18, Paul meets a slave girl who has the ability to tell the future. Her owners are using this girl as a freak show, enslaving her like a prostitute. Luke explains that this girl has a spirit of divination which is enabling her to actually foretell people’s future. In the Greek, Luke uses the word python, spirit of the serpent. This spirit had strangled this girl so much that she was held in bondage, suffocated by the serpent’s grip. Paul aggravated by this spirit takes authority in Christ, casts out the spirit, setting her free.
There are 4 things which can stop a Christian’ progress or entangle them like this slave girl. First, some of you may be enduring a generational sin or resulting curse, Exodus 20:5. Second, others may have allowed yourself to have a few ungodly beliefs by living according to world not the Word. Third, a few of you still have not recovered from a soul spirit hurt, deeply wounded by a believer or circumstance. Finally, there are those suffering from a spirit of depression or demonic oppression, stealing your joy for life, hope for the future and killing any dreams of success.
Wherever you are or whatever you do, remember the words of Romans 8:1-15. There is live through the Holy Spirit, freedom in Christ and victory in your future. Let your mind be transformed by the Word of God, Romans 12:1-2 so that the Spirit who raised Christ from the dead can raise you from defeat into victory, Romans 8:9-11. Pray the words of 1 Corinthians 15:53-58 so that you will verbalize the power of God through Jesus.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 