How to exercise authority in Christ.

A few weeks ago I wrote about taking up your sword. Learning to use the sword, the Word of God, effectively, requires practice. Therefore, we need to speak scriptures on authority as often we can. A few examples are:

• Luke 10:19, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

• Ephesians 6:10-11, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

• 1 John 4:4, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

• Isaiah 54:17a, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.”

When you’re in a battle against the devil, you’ll need to exercise your authority in Christ by boldly commanding spirits. It is always prefaced with, “In the name of Jesus” and then followed with something such as “flee” or “go” or “sickness get out of me” or whatever is applicable to the situation. If the devil talks to you, remember not to engage with him, but speak out loud, “It is written . . .” followed by the appropriate scripture.

You need to be aware that the devil will be persistent. He’s wants to wear you down so you give up and quit. In the depths of your soul, you may feel like your paralyzed, lying flat on your back, unable to move or fight any longer. That’s okay. In that position your face is pointed in the right direction: looking up toward God.

Hopefully this is where you’ll have an attitude change. Of course you’ll still care that the devil is attacking you, but you’ll no longer care if you live life your way. You’ll need to decide that you are done. You are done being in charge of your life. You are done trying to do things in your own strength.

Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” The dark places of life are where we surrender ourselves and our agendas to Jesus. We are truly ready to pick up our cross and follow Him. We are willing to go wherever He leads us and do whatever He tells us to do—no matter the cost. You may have no idea where God will take you, but it doesn’t matter. Jesus is holding your hand.

Sometimes people resist letting go of their agendas because they trust in themselves. But Proverb 3:5 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” God desires every one of us to experience this humbling place of dying to self. This is where we learn to trust Him, and we know it is only Him who brings us out of the situation.

Let your new motto be, “Not my will, but yours Lord.”

Strength and courage to you,

Denise