Years ago, I worked along side of Thai teachers in English camps during the Thai school holidays. During one of those camps, in a remote town, we got to know the local English teacher. She was in her late 30s, married with several children and she LOVED her job and she loved people. She had a radiant smile and open heart. Our dear co-worker and friend Hungsunee shared the gospel with her, and before long, she was bowing her head in prayer to receive Jesus into her heart.

 

The following morning she ran up to us, excited to share with us what had happened on her walk home. Before this, every evening after work she would walk home along a dark path to her home. According to her, nearly every night she was accosted by ‘ghosts’ or ‘spirits’ along the road which frightened her badly and made her walk home each night excruciating. “But last night,” she said excitedly, “last night the ghosts never came. They left me alone for the first time!” We continued our friendship with her for years and she never again was troubled by spirits. Not only that but her husband and children all believed and became leaders in their church.

 

The Greek word used in the book of Acts where Jesus promises His followers that they shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, is the word ‘dunamis’. It is also translated into English as “dynamite.” The Holy Spirit power that came into that teacher’s life, into her being that day she received Jesus as her savior, had the power to chase ghosts, fear, demons; literally all the works of darkness. And she didn’t even really know it fully yet. But it was there; HE was there, working on her behalf to change her life for the better. Perfecting her with His love and casting out all fear.

 

We have seen this absence of fear in new believers many times especially in non-Christian countries where the local religions are either animist in nature, or give place to spiritual activities, even welcoming spirit mediums. In these cultures fear is very prevalent. The children that came or our weekly Awana clubs were no longer ‘afraid’ of the idols, their teachers told us. People tormented by bad dreams would have sound sleep for the first time in years. God’s wonderful love protecting them and perfecting them.

 

Dunamis=Power. Jesus promised that we would receive this same power when the Holy Spirit had fully come. And God knows, we sure do need it! Lord! Fill us with Your Dunamis!!

 

~ Debbie Ecker