Demonic Distractions

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.  And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. (Acts 16:16-21)

The slave girl made a statement that sounded correct. Paul and Silas were servants of God. But this wasn’t the Holy Spirit speaking; it was a familiar spirit. It was trying to distract, disturb, and annoy them to shift their focus away from what God was doing and onto what she was saying. Don’t listen to everyone who flatters you or speaks some truth. Familiar spirits often disguise deception with partial truths, making it easier to draw attention.

We don't know much about this girl's story, except that she was being exploited to bring her masters money. Many times, spiritual bondage becomes a way for people to be taken advantage of. Paul didn’t let the annoyance bother him or the distraction persist, so he turned and commanded the devil to come out of her. That wasn’t just something for Paul; believers need to stand against the enemy when he brings annoyances and distractions from the devil our way as well. When the evil spirit left, her masters had no more income.

When God frees people, it not only transforms their lives but also dismantles systems of exploitation rooted in demonic bondage. This story shows that preaching the Gospel is not only about words but also about power. Believers are called to live in that power and not let the enemy's intimidation tactics stop them.

Practical Application

Don’t seek or accept insight from demonic or familiar spirits. Instead, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal who in your life has been sent to assist you and who is being used as a distraction.

1 Samuel 28:7; Isaiah 8:19