I never did learn how to tie knots. Maybe they didn’t teach that in Girl Scouts when I was a member. But I sure have been in quite a few knotty situations. Assuming we’re all living in the same fallen world, problems, obstacles and hindrances are quite common.A couple of years ago I read one of those life changing books. You know the type. It’s a keeper. One you refer back to again and again. Authority in Prayer, by Dutch Sheets, is a must for anyone who wants to see their prayers answered.
In Chapter One the author relates a true story of being stuck in an airport waiting in line to check in. For whatever reason the line didn’t move for about 20 minutes and everyone was getting irritable and pushy. About to give up on making his flight on time, Pastor Sheets sends up a desperate prayer. “Lord, do something to stop this chaos and get me on my flight.” To his surprise the Holy Spirit tells him to do something about it. “Move in the authority I have given you….” He was instructed to command the enemy’s hindrances to be ineffective, to declare that he had favor, and that he would be on time to his meeting.
That scenario fascinated me, so I decided to try that new way of praying. It has been helpful in many situations. On numerous occasions I have stood before a computerized cash register only to have it malfunction when it is my turn to be checked out. Under my breath I pray something like this: “I release the authority of Heaven into this situation. I break the power of the enemy off the equipment in Jesus’ name. I have favor in God’s kingdom.” It’s amazing how many times the register will start functioning again. Same with my home computer. Now I realize that equipment breaks down, and that not everything is a spiritual attack. But if you never think of it at all, you miss the opportunity to exercise your authority over hindrances the enemy does put in your path.
Romans 5:17 If by the transgression of the one {Adam}, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Psalm 8 tells us that God made man to have dominion over the works of His hands (His creation). “You have put all things under his {man’s} feet.”
In John 10:10 the Word says that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy but that God wants us to have an abundant life. Why does the enemy get away with his plans? One reason is that we as Christians do not understand the authority God has given us. We haven’t been taught what it is or how to exercise it. It reminds me of a parent who complained that her child was watching a cartoon show that she didn’t think was beneficial for her child. “What can I do?” she asked helplessly. My answer was simple. “Turn it off. You’re the parent.” Unfortunately she hadn’t thought of it.
Dutch Sheets demonstrates scripturally how and why Christians have authority over their lives. Because of ignorance, we have not known how to use that authority effectively and appropriately. Here’s an example. I had been shopping for several hours with one of my children. When we arrived home, the child complained of foot pain. Since my feet didn’t bother me in the least, I questioned whether this foot pain was real or from the enemy. My child thought it was real because, using reason, it seemed logical that one’s feet should ache after all that walking. The pain felt real. There was a ‘reasonable’ cause and effect. So the child chalked it up to the shopping trip. However, with my new found spiritual weapon, I walked over, put my hand on the feet and commanded, “Pain go away in Jesus’ name.” It left instantly! I was as amazed as my child.
If it’s true that an estimated 80% of symptoms presenting in doctors’ offices are not based in true disease, then we have nothing to lose and everything to gain by commanding symptoms to leave in the name of Jesus. If they don’t, we haven’t lost any time. We can always seek medical help. God uses doctors, medicine and prayers to heal. The enemy is a thief. He will stick his foot in the door and see if we do anything about it. If we don’t, he forces his way into our lives. We need to learn to slam the door on him the minute he gets a toehold. We need to enforce the authority that is rightfully ours.
There’s a lot more to learn about this interesting topic, but not enough space to do it justice. So if these thoughts have piqued your interest, please get a copy of Pastor Sheets’ book. We need to stand our ground and take back what is rightfully ours.
