Wind & Fire - ReflectionsSample

Written by Javier De La Rosa - Discipleship Minister at City on a Hill Melbourne

“As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.’ And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And it came out that very hour.” - Acts 16:16–18 (ESV)

Scripture is honest about the world we live in. There are real powers at work that do not come from God, and people often appeal to them for control, advantage, or security. In Acts 16, the slave girl’s spiritual power appears impressive, even accurate, but it is enslaving, exploitative, and ultimately destructive. What looks powerful on the surface is, in truth, robbing her of freedom - she is a slave.

Paul responds not with fear, but with confidence in the authority of Jesus. With a word spoken in Christ’s name, the spirit is driven out. The contrast could not be clearer: while other powers may promise insight or control, only the power of God brings true freedom.

John echoes this truth with quiet confidence: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world”, 1 John 4:4 (ESV).The believer does not need to fear competing powers, spiritual forces, or the pressures of a fallen world. The Spirit of God dwells within us, and His power is unmatched, sustaining, and life-giving.

Looking elsewhere for freedom is like trying to eat sand to quench thirst. It may fill the stomach for a moment, but it cannot give life, and in the end, it only leads to emptiness and harm. Only God can satisfy the deep longings of the human heart. Only His power restores, sustains, and sets us free.

Freedom, then, is found not in denying the reality of other influences, but in resting confidently in the surpassing power of God. In Christ, we are not only protected, we are truly free.

Reflect:

Based on today’s reading:

How is the Holy Spirit inviting me to respond today, for God’s glory and the good of others?

Pray:

Lord, thank You that Your power is greater than anything in this world. Guard my heart from seeking life where it cannot be found. Help me to trust in You alone for freedom, strength, and sustenance, and to live confidently in the victory You have given me in Christ. Amen.