The Holy Spirit had sent Paul and Barnabas to the island of Cyprus. They landed in Seleucia, and from there they went to Paphos, where the Philistines originated and occupied the west of Palestine. In that city, the apostle Paul faced a great trial: a false prophet contradicted him every time he preached to a Roman authority. However, this servant of the devil would soon see that it's no good messing around or getting in the way of the work of the eternal God!

         One of the greatest challenges of Paul's life was his encounter with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, who was trying to listen to the Word of God but had a magician at his side who did everything he could to hinder the apostle's work. Elymas, the enchanter (this is how his name was interpreted - Acts 13:4-8), was trying to turn the proconsul, who was a prudent man, away from the faith. Faced with that harassment, the apostle courageously made a statement that no one expected.

         Paul was certainly annoyed by the magician's lies, which were trying to prevent the proconsul from understanding the gospel. Feeling the touch of the Holy Spirit, the apostle took aim at the false prophet and spoke: You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? (Acts 13.10). The apostle would go on to say something else, and this statement probably stunned the proconsul!

         No one can hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. Anyone who dares to do so will receive a rebuke that will hurt them greatly. What's more, they will be shown the spirit that dwells in those who hate God's work. Paul continued: Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun. Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about seeking someone to lead him by the hand (Acts 13:11).

         The manifestation of power was so great that the proconsul didn't even know what to say. God knows how to work in any situation. All we have to do is follow His instructions. The Bible speaks of the result of this work: When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord (Acts 13:12). There is nothing better than being used by the Most High, who loves those who love Him (Proverbs 8.17).

         Those who live in sin will not believe in God through words alone. We have to use divine authority, like Jesus, to heal the sick, free the oppressed, and lead people to prosperity. They will surely understand that religious faith must be exchanged for faith in the Savior. What makes the difference is whether the Christian is led by the Holy Spirit or does the work on the basis of human arguments. The Messiah made the people understand that He was from God!

         Those saved by Christ will never be led astray by Satan's deceptions. If we do the same works that the Son of God did in His days here on Earth (John 14:12), we will be successful in our journey alongside Him. We are following the same path that Jesus walked while He was here!

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares