Disruption

 She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation."
Acts 16:17 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/act.16.17.ESV

I used to read this and think that the demon oppressed slave girl was doing Paul and his mission team a favour, doing their preaching for them. But upon reflection, I think it's like someone shouting out the punchline to a joke that standup comedian is trying to tell. That wouldn't be funny, and neither was this a favour.

They say that no publicity is bad publicity. But if you seem to be endorsed by a clearly evil power such as had hold of this girl, that's not a good endorsement. People will have been put off by her intrusion.

Paul and team clearly weren't happy about the situation either, and Paul ended up driving the demon away. He delivered the girl and no doubt added her to the fledgling Philippian church which already included Lydia and would soon incorporate the jailer. No one is beyond God's grace.

You could be at the bottom of the social hierarchy like the slave girl. But you're not beyond God's grace. You could be near the top, like Lydia, but you still need Him. You could be in the middle, like the jailer, and He can transform your life.

'Heavenly Father, Your grace is enough for me, for which I give You thanks and praise. Please help me to trust You always, for Your honour, amen'

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