Acts 16:18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

Three things struck me about this famous story as I read it just now. The first is that Paul was as human as we are. This girl was proclaiming truth, even being a publicist for Paul, so to speak, but after a few days it really got under his skin. Accordingly, he responded in irritation. The second thing is that, even when operating under less than perfect motives, commanding in the Name of Jesus accomplished a clear deliverance. We don’t have to be perfect before we can operate in the power of God! These two points together should be an enormous encouragement to all believers, because the devil is quick to point out our weaknesses and failures and tell us we are ineligible to be used by God. Obviously, that’s just another of his lies. The third thing that struck me is that operating in the power of God can get us into real trouble. I don’t know if the response would have been any different if the deliverance had been done in a quieter manner, but I rather doubt it, since the reason for the strong reaction was the profit motive. If we are going to do the things Jesus did, (John 14:12) then we have to be prepared, at least emotionally, for people to respond as they did to Jesus, and He was scourged and crucified. (John 15:20) However, we shouldn’t let that hold us back, but like Jesus, fix our eyes on the joy that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 3:12-14)

Well, this certainly applies to me! I have made all of the mistakes I just mentioned, failing to act because I was looking at myself instead of at Christ, fearing the response of men instead of seeking the approval of God. I am to speak the truth in love at all times, even when that truth seems harsh or is unwelcome. That’s easier said than done, because I want people to like me as much as anyone does. I’ve got to love them enough to risk their not liking me! Also, deliverance is an area in which I’ve not seen the results I wanted. I need to be fully submitted to my Lord so that I may stand against the devil and his spirits in full assurance and have them flee, just as Paul did. I am not to be bound by political correctness, but speak God’s truth in love, so that His dominion may be established in lives and hearts all around me, for His glory.

Father, You know the people who came to mind as I was writing about deliverance just now. I ask for Your timing, Your clear guidance, Your boldness, and Your love, so that those people and more may be set free indeed, for their great blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!