Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION  
5 May 2026

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;”    
Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭17‬ ‭

One day, a CCTV contractor I had led to the Lord brought me to his nephew’s factory to pray for a woman who was under spiritual oppression. I went with a shofar and anointing oil—simple expressions of faith through which I trusted God to work.

When I stood before her and heard her demand blood, fear rose within me. For a brief moment, I hesitated and stepped back, unable to act.

But in that critical moment, I made a deliberate choice: not to be led by fear, but to stand on the authority of Jesus. I called out boldly in His name and blew the shofar with all my strength. Instantly, she recoiled and collapsed to the floor. As I gently anointed her forehead with oil, her countenance changed—her agitation subsided, and a deep, visible peace came over her.

The lady boss who witnessed this was deeply moved and even asked to buy the oil. Yet this opened a greater opportunity—to point her beyond the object to the true source of authority: the name of Jesus. As the gospel was shared, both she and her clerk responded, opening their hearts and surrendering their lives to Christ.

That moment became a defining milestone in my faith journey. It deepened my confidence—not in methods or objects—but in the authority Jesus gives His followers over the powers of darkness.

Reflecting on Mark 16:17, we are reminded that faith in Jesus is not passive. It is a living, active relationship that calls us to step forward in obedience. Signs may accompany believers, but they flow from Christ’s authority, not our own ability.

This authority, given through the Holy Spirit, calls us to act with courage. As we depend on Jesus, fear gives way to faith, weakness is exchanged for strength, and hesitation turns into bold witness.

Mark 16:17 teaches that believers are empowered by Jesus’ authority and the Holy Spirit. While supernatural signs may accompany them as confirmation of the gospel, they are not the focus. The priority of every believer is to faithfully follow Christ and bear a clear, consistent witness to Him.

“The name of Jesus nourishes the soul, inspires virtue, and reveals the fullness of God’s saving power.”