“It came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination [in Greek, Python] met us . . .” (Acts 16:16).
This slave girl was possessed with a spirit of Python, which, like its name, is a spiritual entity that constricts and suffocates its victim.
This Python spirit’s objective was to draw attention away from the ensuing apostolic prayer meeting by using the girl as a distraction.
In the world of reptiles, the python snake is a formidable opponent. Not with a poisonous venom, but rather with a slow constriction and suffocation, the Python snake disables and then eats its prey. Pythons steal breath! The spirit of Python was exposed as it tried to “steal” Paul’s breath, his spiritual vitality, purpose and power. Once this deadly spirit was revealed by one of the Holy Spirit’s gifts, the strategy and purpose of the spirit of Python was defeated!
If you get into spiritual prayer agreement with fellow saints like Paul and Silas did, devils will seek to distract, disturb and discourage your meeting, too. Satan and his devils, including the Python spirit, are afraid of saints praying together! Ask God daily for the breath of the Holy Spirit and the activation of His gifts – your source of vitality, purpose and power! Jesus breathes on you and says, “Receive you the Holy Ghost (John 20:22)!”
