Faith or Formula: How to Tell the Difference Between supernatural Signs and Superstition
“Hold my coffee. I’m about to go to war.”
That’s what I said to myself recently when I heard a good friend talk about manifesting a new life in 2025. I’m not sure who I was telling to hold my coffee, but there’s a little glimpse into how I talk to myself.
It wasn’t just a friend who said that. In recent weeks, I’ve had several divine moments pastoring people who are deeply entangled in what can only be described as Christian superstition. It’s subtle, yet dangerous—a snare that’s hard to recognize when you’re in the middle of it. But I’ve got a bee in my bonnet about it, people, so here I am.
Here’s the deal: God is speaking. He still speaks in signs and wonders. At times, when He speaks through signs, it can be uncomfortable.
Let me take you to a recent experience I had in Brazil. I was teaching at a prophetic conference, training pastors on how to implement prophetic ministry in their churches. From the moment we arrived, I could feel the prayers of the intercessors who had been preparing for weeks for this prophetic school.
If you’ve ever worshipped with the body of Christ in Brazil, you know their worship is fiery. Beautiful. Sweaty. It was a bit of a culture shock for me.At one point, worship broke out, and I found myself standing there asking, Is this real, or is this just hype?
It was a sincere question; an honest one.
Then, something shifted. The air thickened. The atmosphere in that open-air room dramatically changed. My legs felt heavy, and I knew the glory of God was filling the space. I was uncomfortable, so I stepped over to the big open windows to get some fresh air.
And that’s when it happened.
A thick, white, swirling rope—almost like a cloud or fog—appeared before me, moving too fast to follow at first. As I turned to take in the entire scene, I watched in awe as it whipped around the building, encircling it from every angle. It felt as though the very atmosphere was being shaped by this supernatural force—each opening, each window, caught in its rapid motion. It was a supernatural sign, an undeniable answer to my question.
All I could say was, "Holy, holy, holy, are You, God." I think I even apologized for doubting how He was ministering to the room just moments before, simply because I didn’t understand it. Talk about an attitude adjustment.
God’s presence filled the room with power. The entire room fell under His glory. I didn’t need another minute to question what was happening. That night, dozens of supernatural healings took place—tumors shrank, spines healed, broken bones restored. Was it incredible? Absolutely. But it was terrifying, too.
Remember:
God is not like us, though we were made in His image. (Genesis 1:26)
He doesn’t think like us, but He has shared His mind with us. (Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 2:16)
He speaks to us, and we’ve been empowered to discern His voice. (John 10:27; 1 John 2:27)
But here’s where it gets tricky: What happens when we move from seeking God’s heart about a matter to trying to manifest, force, and conjure it up? People start looking for signs, seeking out methods, and chasing after experiences all in an attempt to confirm their desires or “gain breakthrough.”
The problem? The very thing they’re chasing can become an unhealthy form of witchcraft, disguised as spiritual hunger. And if you have ignorant friends, they’ll cheer you on because they don’t know the difference between supernatural signs and superstition.
The web of superstition is growing tighter in the body of Christ. It’s critical for us to discern the difference between true supernatural signs and superstition.
One major indication I see in those who are practicing superstition—rather than discerning God’s mind about a matter—is that they become utterly stuck. What often begins as a pure desire to hear God’s voice and walk in obedience gets hijacked by a fear of missing His will or an urgency to rush His timing. Instead of resting in faith, they place their hopes in people and circumstances beyond belief, giving away their power, self-control, and sound mind. They end up waiting on the Lord for signs every day, caught in what seems like a noble narrative, but one that ultimately leaves them vulnerable to manipulation and abuse.
And here’s the kicker—God gets all the “credit” until things go sideways, and then He gets all the blame. This twisted cycle of superstition can quickly become a trap where every outcome, good or bad, is pinned on Him, leading to disillusionment and a fractured faith.
Listen, if this is you, don’t freak out. We've all been there. In fact, I should probably write about the time I unintentionally spiritually abused my husband for months, thinking it was “discernment.” (That’s a story for another blog, though!) The truth is, people have struggled with this for centuries, even back in biblical times. The good news? There’s hope to break free from this demonic trap.
Let’s take a look at a few Biblical examples that highlight the difference between supernatural signs and superstition, and explore how we can identify and untangle ourselves from Christian superstition.
1. The Sons of Sceva: A Formulaic Faith (Acts 19:13-16)
In Acts 19, we meet the sons of Sceva, who were Jewish exorcists trying to replicate what Paul was doing by casting out demons in Jesus’ name. But instead of a relationship with the Holy Spirit, they had learned a formula. They said, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” This formula, detached from a true relationship with Christ, led to disastrous results: the demon-possessed man overpowered them, and they fled, naked and wounded.
Distinction #1: Superstition relies on formulas, but prophetic faith is built on relationship.
When we seek signs, symbols, or methods for breakthrough but neglect genuine intimacy with the Holy Spirit, we’re stepping into superstition. True prophetic faith comes from the overflow of a relationship with God, not from our ability to repeat phrases or follow formulas.
2. Saul and the Witch of Endor: Seeking Control (1 Samuel 28)
When King Saul was in crisis, he turned to a medium instead of trusting in God. Saul’s desperation led him to consult the witch of Endor, trying to manipulate the outcome of his situation. “God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams” (1 Samuel 28:15, ESV), he admitted, exposing his fear and impatience. Instead of waiting on God, he wanted control—so he sought out a supernatural answer, bypassing God entirely.
Distinction #2: Superstition seeks control, while prophetic faith trusts God's sovereignty.
Superstition arises from fear and a desire to control outcomes. It seeks signs, methods, or practices that can be controlled or manipulated. Prophetic faith, on the other hand, involves yielding to God's sovereignty and trusting Him, even when the answers don’t come on our timetable or in the way we expect.
3. The Bronze Serpent: From Faith to Idolatry (Numbers 21:4-9, 2 Kings 18:4)
In Numbers 21, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent to heal the Israelites from snake bites. Those who looked at it were healed, a beautiful act of faith in God’s provision. But over time, the Israelites turned that bronze serpent into an idol. Instead of remembering the act of God’s faithfulness, they began to worship the object itself, disconnected from their faith in God.
Distinction #3: Superstition elevates methods or objects, while true signs keeps the focus on God and His sovereignty alone.
When we focus more on the how than on the who, we risk slipping into superstition. Just because something was once a tool God used doesn’t mean it should become an idol. True supernatural signs are signposts that declare who is on the throne—and in that truth, we can rest and let go. God desires us to seek out a matter, focusing on His wisdom, not the methods or objects He may use.
4. The Prophetic Voice: Discerning God's Heart vs. Chasing Signs (Matthew 16:1-4)
In Matthew 16, the Pharisees and Sadducees demanded that Jesus show them a sign from heaven. But Jesus rebuked them, saying, "You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times." They were so focused on external signs that they missed the most important sign—God Himself standing in front of them.
Distinction #4: Superstition chases signs, while prophetic faith listens for God’s voice.
A hallmark of superstition is the constant chasing of signs, dreams, and confirmations. But true faith is grounded in the ability to hear God’s voice—expecting the supernatural, as Jesus demonstrated—while walking intimately with Him and discerning His will for our lives. It’s not about waiting for a sign but being in tune with nature of God and in daily step with the Holy Spirit.
5. The Power of a Peaceful Heart: Faith Anchored in Rest (Philippians 4:6-7)
Lastly, one of the clearest markers of superstition is the absence of peace. Let me be very clear—I’m not talking about conviction. When the conviction of God comes, it can create a tension that doesn’t feel like peace. For example, in Brazil, I asked that question in arrogance, and when God’s presence fell on us, conviction hit my heart, humbling me deeply. It was uncomfortable—a clash between the natural and the spiritual, a tension that often comes right before breakthrough, understanding, or weighty revelation that feels anchored and solid.
In contrast, those caught in superstition often feel restless, anxious, and driven by a need to perform. They become consumed with chasing confirmation, going to everyone but God Himself, and struggling to find comfort in the silence. But Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Distinction #5: Superstition breeds anxiety, while prophetic faith produces peace.
When we are walking in prophetic faith, there is peace. Faith is not about striving or performing; it’s about trusting in God’s ability to lead us and deliver us, regardless of how things may appear externally. If we find ourselves anxious or restless, it’s time to pause and assess whether we are walking by faith or relying on superstitions.
Breaking Free: Moving AWAY from Superstition
So how do we break free from the web of Christian superstition and move toward mature perspective on supernatural signs? Here are a few I practice personally:
Repent and Renounce: Begin by repenting and asking the Holy Spirit to unravel the web of witchcraft you've unintentionally become entangled in. Break agreement with fear, control, and any superstition that has taken root. Invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and restore purity to your walk with God.
Fast from Confirmation Seeking: Take a break from constantly looking for signs and confirmations. Instead, immerse yourself in the Word of God. Get to know His character and His promises. Personally, I find it grounding to read the accounts of Jesus talking about God, His Father. It aligns me back with the truth of His nature, and rest comes over me.
Seek Relationship, Not Formula: Spend intentional time with God. Don’t focus on methods or rituals; let your heart be drawn to Him. His presence is where true transformation happens.
Trust God’s Sovereignty: Let go of control. Trust that God knows what He’s doing, even when His answers don’t come in the way you expect. Surrender your timeline and expectations, believing that He is faithful. I have to practice this daily, sometimes hourly. HA!
Focus on the Giver, Not the Gifts: It’s easy to get enamored by experiences or supernatural manifestations, but they should never replace the love and truth of God. Keep your eyes on the Giver and let the gifts flow naturally from your relationship with Him.
Listen for His Voice: Rather than searching for signs, cultivate a heart that listens to the Holy Spirit. His voice is often a gentle whisper, speaking to those who are attentive to His leading.
Rest in His Peace: If you’re feeling anxious or restless, bring it before God in prayer. True faith brings peace. If you don’t have peace, it may be time to realign your heart and seek God’s comfort.
Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater: You should expect signs and wonders as a follower of Christ. But mature in it—recognize when you’re slipping into patterns of superstition, and recalibrate. God is still a God of miracles, but those miracles are meant to draw you closer to Him, not become the focus themselves.
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to examine your own walk with God. Are there areas where you’ve unknowingly replaced faith with superstition? It's time to make a shift and embrace the fullness of faith that comes from knowing God intimately. Leave a comment. I love to hear from you!
