He . . . practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. (2 Chron. 33:6)
“Jim, there are witches here in Africa. Many Africans go to them for healing and for incantations to be spoken over them. Some dole out great amounts of money because they want the witchdoctor to influence the future for their good. Others seek them out to place curses on those they do not like or who have hurt them.”
My response to the missionary who was telling me this was, “You’ve got to be crazy. Witches are not real. They are comic book characters, like Wendy the good little witch who hangs out with Casper the friendly ghost. Educated people cannot possibly believe in such nonsense! You would never catch me believing in such fantasy!”
However, while serving in Africa for over twelve years, I discovered that my missionary friend was right. Witches and mediums are real. They consult with those in the spiritual realm. There are witches in America as well. One African, a new convert to Christianity, shared, “Before accepting Christ I was suffocating under all the demands placed upon me by the village witchdoctor. He caused me to live in constant fear. However, with Christ now guarding my life, I feel so free and protected!”
There are evil forces, including witches, in our world. It’s wonderful to know that God is more powerful and can deliver those who have been enslaved by them.
Avoid both extremes—denying that witchcraft exists and becoming ensnared by it.
Jim “Umf” Lo is a professor, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books including Unholiness: Overcoming the Forces That Attack Your Soul (WPH).
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
