Naked, Possessed and Bound by Witchcraft- A Miracle Happened

The nation of Malawi is in southeast Africa. It has many areas of beauty including incredible wildlife parks. Malawi is also is a nation with numerous unreached people groups. God has been working in powerful ways to establish Disciple-Making Movements there. Signs and wonders are causing these movements to grow rapidly.

This story is from an interview with a YWAM Frontier Missions leader. His name is Joe. He is the main trainer for the growing movement there.

“One day a madman was seen on the streets, walking totally naked. Naturally, the villagers were alarmed. He was heading toward the Catholic Church, but some in the crowd stood in his way. They told him to go instead to ‘the pastor’s house’. That is what they call me.“

A Spiritual Battle

“When he got to my place he became violent. Some of the people who had brought him to us were afraid. They left, but others remained behind and gathered around this poor man.”

“Then the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me plainly. ‘You must command that spirit to go. When you do, it will come out.’”

Bravely and obediently, the gathered believers spoke to the spirit as the Lord had commanded them to. The spirit left immediately just as the Lord said.

How Had This Horror Begun?

How had this man got into such a terrible state, the believers wondered. For three months he had suffered. What was the cause?

The man, now in his right mind, confessed to practicing witchcraft during that time period. It was obvious to all. This was what had opened his spirit to the evil one.

Transformed

Set free, his most urgent need was for clothing. He obviously would not want to walk naked anymore! His kind friends bought new clothes for him.

He also needed honest work. Once again, his friends came to his help. In time, he was able to start a business.

The deliverance and his new relationship with Jesus made him a completely new person. His personality had even changed. His friend Joe says, “He is now a good guy.”

The Power of Testimony

In his new job, the delivered man met many people. Some had heard about his former involvement with witchcraft. They were afraid of someone who had been so powerful and violent. Now, instead of harming himself and others though, he told everyone of God’s goodness. It was an undeniable miracle!

The YWAM leader Joe says, “Many people have come to the Lord because of this man’s story. Everyone in the community had seen who he was before- a man bound by evil.”

“He is healed and speaks clearly. He walks in freedom, because of the work of Jesus!”

Who Can Do This Kind of Work?

Is the work of deliverance just for those who are experts? Many feel reluctant, or even fearful, to get involved with this kind of ministry.

The New Testament tells us that power over demons has been given to every disciple.

Matthew 10:1 says “and he [Jesus] called to him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, and to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.

Mark 6:7 says “and he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.”

English Standard Version

Luke also speaks of the authority given to Jesus’ disciples. In chapter 10 we read of seventy-two who were sent out. They “returned with joy saying ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name’.” The Lord said, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you“.

The apostle Paul demonstrated this power at work in Acts 16: 16-18. A possessed slave girl who was delivered at Paul’s command.

God Can Use You

Signs and wonders are common in the many Disciple-Making Movements (DMMs) being started around the world. Like in this story, they often lead to hundreds in the community seeing evidence of the love and power of God. This opens hearts to believe.

God wants to use all of us to set people free. Would you be open to praying for someone who is struggling with demonic oppression? Step out in bold faith. God can use you as he did Joe and his team. Your courageous obedience could launch a new movement.

“Father, increase our faith, that will be ready to serve in this way. May we be available to use our authority for the sake of those under oppression. And may all the glory be Yours!”