October 27

Spiritual Warfare

Freedom from the Ancestors

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of
her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have
inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” Isaiah 49:15–16 (NASB)

She was plodding down the path amid corn stalks, chickens and playing
children. One small girl held her hand as the woman saw a group meeting
under a mopani (moe-PAH-nee) tree. Ladies sewing and listening
to an American was enough to get anyone’s attention. Cautiously, Snodia
and her daughter sat down close enough to hear Bible stories.
On Saturdays, Snodia continued to come to hear the stories. I
learned that her newborn had died just a few weeks prior.

In Zimbabwe, there is a cultural tradition among non-Christians to
hold a ceremony at the grave of a relative who has been dead a year. A
witch doctor is hired to “summon” the spirit of this ancestor so that he
can ask it where it wants to reside for eternity. Then the witch doctor
assigns this spirit, according to their beliefs, to live in something like a
tree, person, rock or animal.

Snodia’s baby was born the same day as her dead grandmother’s
“coming back” ceremony. Thus, the witch doctor said that Snodia’s baby
would receive the ancestral spirit, and Snodia couldn’t feed the baby for
two weeks to see if the ancestral spirit was pleased with the assignment.
Her baby died.

And so did the heart of Snodia until she heard that God loved her.
After hearing God’s Word for several weeks, she gave her heart to Jesus.
She died from AIDS within two years, but she is in the presence of her
Creator!

What bondage is it that keeps one from following Christ? Jesus can
conquer anything.
—Kim, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

Dear Lord, thank You for Your great love for even me! Show Your love among
the peoples of the earth so they will know that You wipe their sins away. Praise
You, Father, for Your everlasting love. Amen.

Next day