The counterfeiting of prophetic acts is often the root of unbelief and the rejection of divine power. Because of this counterfeiting, a large portion of God’s people categorically refuse to believe in prophetic acts. This counterfeiting is real.

It is important to be objective and recognize that the enemy imitates God. The ministry of imitation carried out by the adversary is powerful. The devil has sought to take God’s place from the very beginning. His thoughts are wicked. Concerning this, it is written:

“You said in your heart: ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.’” — Isaiah 14:13

This text highlights the enemy’s schemes against God’s sovereign position. He wanted to exalt himself above God’s throne. In other words, he desired to take God’s place. This is a situation driven by jealousy, where the jealous one—Satan—covets what God has and yearns to occupy His position of authority. This jealousy is also evident in the case we are examining, where Pharaoh imitates Moses with the help of his magicians.

When Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is confronted with the wonders performed by Moses, he reacts under demonic inspiration. This is why he summons his magicians and commands them to replicate the miracles performed by God’s prophet. Thus, the Bible declares:

“The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘When Pharaoh says to you, “Perform a miracle,” then say to Aaron, “Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,” and it will become a snake.’ So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts. Each one threw down his staff, and it became a snake…” — Exodus 7:10-11

Pharaoh was accustomed to displays of power. He saw Aaron throw down his staff, which turned into a snake, but he was unimpressed, knowing that his magicians could do the same. Notice that the imitation was flawless: a serpent was produced both through prophetic acts and through the power of sorcery.

Let’s examine another case of imitation:

“Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was changed into blood. The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt. But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts.” — Exodus 7:20-22

Under divine power, water was turned into blood. The Egyptian occultists replicated the same feat. These passages demonstrate that God’s adversaries imitate Him and perform wonders similar to those of His prophets.

In response, some Christians take the easy route, rejecting the manifestation of divine power outright. By doing so, they bring condemnation upon themselves:

“Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” — Mark 3:28-29

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit includes failing to acknowledge His works. Attributing prophetic acts performed under divine power (the Holy Spirit) to Satan constitutes a grave sin for which there is no forgiveness. In this context, we must exercise caution. It is wiser to say, “I do not know,” rather than to declare, “This is demonic.” Such an attitude reflects wisdom.

As we draw closer to the second coming of Christ, manifestations of prophetic acts will increase. The enemy will do the same! Christians must, therefore, develop spiritual discernment to recognize what is happening before their eyes.

This text is an excerpt from the book “THE POWER OF PROPHETIC ACTS“ written by Maryse-Abygaïl DANIEL.

We invite you to read the following article: “Characteristics of the End-Time Prophetic Battle.”