Many years ago, I went home to Puerto Rico to visit family. I was traveling with a dear friend, who invited me to have lunch with her at her aunt’s house while we were there. Her aunt was a gracious lady who made us feel right at home. The afternoon was very pleasant; the food was delicious and the conversation warm. We began to share our faith, telling our hosts about God’s great love and His plan of salvation.
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room changed. Our host was not so friendly anymore. The whites of her eyes turned almost black. Her features became cold and angry. The presence of evil clouded her countenance.
Right before our eyes, she was transformed. A deep, dark voice came from her mouth—a voice so black and evil, a chill ran down my spine.
Despite my own fear, my faith began to stir. These words rose up in my spirit: “Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). Heat beating out of my chest, I began to recall the words of Jesus “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons” (Mark 16:17).
To say I felt awkward is an understatement. Here I was, having to confront a demon in what appeared to be an innocent elderly woman. I knew I had to do it though; there was no other option. If I left this poor woman, she would never be free. A police officer does not run from the scene of a crime, leaving the victim helpless against the attacker. I had the authority in Jesus to confront this evil and I knew it was my duty to do what God had already equipped me to do.
I took authority over the spirit, and three hours later the woman had been set free—not only from the first demon, but also from many others. She was released from the bondage of the enemy and totally restored. When it was all over she was beaming from head to toe. The peace was visible in her mind, body and spirit. She received Jesus and so did her family. Praise the Lord, for in Him there is deliverance from the enemy in Jesus’ name.
If you are a believer, understand you have authority over the powers of darkness, in Jesus’ name. The enemy will try to make you afraid and keep you from setting others free. Remember, he is already defeated and Jesus is the victor. You have the authority, in Jesus, to bind him and cast him out, filling the person instead with the peace of God and the joy of the Lord.
If you are in need of deliverance:
- Repent of any known sin, especially in areas in which you struggle.
- Seek out a deliverance ministry in a church and ask them for help.
- Believe in your heart that Jesus can set you free (John 8:32)
- Read the Word daily. The Word declares that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”(Rom. 10:17). Faith will cause you to believe you can be free.
Remember these Scripture references:
- “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” (Luke 10:19).
- “Therefore if the Son [Jesus] makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
- “These signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons” (Mark 16:17).
PRAYER POWER FOR THE WEEK OF 7/29/2013
This week thank God that He has given you “authority over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means harm you.” Thank Him that when He sets you free you are free indeed and that He will enable you to help set others free as well. Continue to pray for revival in our churches and across the world. Thank Him for the ministry of reconciliation and pray for Him to bring healing, restoration and reconciliation among the races. Remember Israel, the persecuted church, and those in authority that make decisions affecting the world and us. 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Luke 10:19; John 8:36
James Lasher 
Abby Trivett 
