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. (Acts 16:16 ESV)

Luke is known for capturing details that help paint a picture for us to easily visualize the encounters he experienced. In one sentence he describes the personal bondage of a young unnamed girl – and we can’t help but feel compassion toward her.

This girl is like so many people we encounter everyday:

She was enslaved spiritually.
She was being taken advantage of.
She was desperate for hope and change.

Luke says that this girl, being prompted by the demons, continually harassed and mocked Paul and his team, following them around the city.

Finally, Paul had enough. He turned and commanded the demons to set the girl free. And she was immediately liberated.

Still, like many young people today who give their lives to Jesus, she had to go back and face the people in her life who despised her change of heart and wanted her to go back to the way she used to be.

Freedom in Christ is often met with great resistance from others. But he who the Son has set free is free indeed.

Father, today I pray for young believers who need to feel the wind of encouragement in the sails of their lives. Set them free today, and encourage them in the changes they are making.

In Jesus name, amen.