What if some human disabilities go beyond natural causes like genetics, disease, and accidents? What if unseen powers sometimes disable human capacity for normal functions? This was the understanding in one instance when a blind and mute man saw and spoke when he was freed from a demon by the Spirit of God (Matthew 12:22).
Jesus freed people from demons by God’s Spirit and said those who follow Him can do the same in His name (Mark 16:17). According to the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, Satan is the rule of demons, and they oppress people in various ways (Matthew 12:24). God desires to set people free from various bondages people experience from demons. He wants to do this through our fellowship with Him as we come into contact with those He puts in our paths.
Think less of casting out demons and more of healing people. Sometimes, when people are healed through our prayers and counsel, demons leave, and we may not even know they were present. At other times, demonic presence is more apparent when a person curses God, says nasty things, or has other physical reactions. Even so, I focus on the healing of the person, not the demons, even if I tell the demons to leave in Jesus’ name. I seek to do this in fellowship with the Spirit, knowing that He is the one who sets people free.
Father, thank you for the ministry of the Holy Spirit in us because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Please give us your compassion for people and, from this compassion, your desire to heal. Help us focus on healing people above casting out demons. Help us to live in wonder and mystery, not only in the rational. As we do, give us wisdom to know how to respond to each unique situation that comes our way as You direct our paths.