Day 2

A PANIC MEASURE

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." Isaiah 43:2

Perhaps you think the stories of Shirley a little melodramatic but they are really very tame beside the experiences of some who have come under the influence of "those who have familiar spirits".

As a teenager of seventeen Shirley came into contact with the Seventh Day Adventist church. As she studied the Bible she slowly realised what had been going on all those years and understood the cause of her fear. When she finally knelt to give her life to the Lord she felt such a sense of crushing fear and physical danger that she cried out aloud to God. Today she is free from that influence but she still wonders that God should have been so gracious to her. She cannot find words to express her joy and gratitude for His love and care.

The story of Saul and the Witch of Endor gave Shirley her first insight into the power which she had felt as a child. God's commands about witchcraft are very clear (Lev. 20:27). Saul knew and understood it. Earlier in his reign he had tried to stamp it out (1 Sam. 28:9). Yet when at the end of his reign God gave him no guidance (1 Sam. 28:6) he turned to a "woman that hath a familiar spirit" and it drove him to despair.

Why did Saul not receive guidance from God?

Why did he choose to consult the witch?

Are there real dangers in attempting to contact spirits?

Did this sin of Saul's place him beyond hope of forgiveness?

Jesus warns of one sin which is unforgivable. What is it? (Mark 3:29)

Lord keep me safe in your care and trusting in your guidance.