Understand Your Spiritual Authority

When Adam and Eve were created, God gave them authority to
manage all matters on the earth. “The heaven, even the
heavens are the Lord’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men”
(Ps.115:16). Satan convinced them that God was holding out on them, and he
appealed to their pride to be all knowing like God (Gen. 3:5). Each of us has
an innate sin nature that wants to be boss, not just a steward of what God has
entrusted to us. However, stewardship is man’s role to represent God’s
interests and to execute His will on earth.

When man sinned in the Garden of Eden, that authority was
transferred to Satan. He was given free rein over the earth because of man’s
disobedience. It was not until Jesus came to earth and reclaimed that authority
through His death and payment of sin that man could stand against the power of
Satan (see Col. 1:19-20).

God is ultimately responsible for what happens on planet
Earth, but He is not to blame for all that happens, because of man’s free will.
Unless man exercises his authority to prevent Satan’s attack, Satan will
exercise his right to steal, kill and destroy.

God is looking for those He can partner with to accomplish
what He wants to do on the earth (see 2 Chron. 16:9). “So I sought for a man
among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of
the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one” (Ezek.
22:30). This verse is not just a reference to prayer; it is so that those
in that culture will not be destroyed by their sins.

God is waiting on His people to exercise our authority to
bring these things into being.

We are to enforce and teach what Jesus has instructed us to
do and what He has said. Jesus came to defeat the works of the enemy (I John
3:8). Our role is to enforce His will through prayer by claiming His
promises and defeating the works of the enemy. We too are called to defeat the works of the enemy on earth. We do not
have to ask what His will is in many situations because He has already stated
His will. As God’s representatives, we enforce His will through intercessory
prayer, which activates the covenantal blessings of God on earth.

Intercession involves a legal appeal process in heaven by
those (you and me) who are interceding for a ruling to be enforced by the
landlord (God) for what has already been stated (God’s covenant promises). What
are some of God’s covenant promises? Anything that Jesus modeled while He was
on earth can be expected to be realized through us, because He said that the
works He did would also be done by us. These include a right to physical
provision, health, peace and a life without fear.

While He was here on earth, Jesus lived with the same
limitations that we live with. However, He appropriated what He needed on earth
through His heavenly Father. He always did what He saw the Father doing through
Him. He carried out the will of the Father. We are called to do the same. That
is how His kingdom is manifested on the earth through each son and daughter.
This is why it is so important that we each have a prayer life devoted to
praying what we see the Father wanting to pray through us (Rom. 8:26-27). Jesus
is our priest and intercessor before the Father to enforce His covenants when
we pray (Isaiah 53:12).

As change agents, we must make this prayer discipline part
of our strategy to displace principalities over cultural mountains and repel
Satan’s activity in our own lives. We have been given the power of attorney on earth to act on His behalf until He returns.

God asks us if we are willing to stand in the gap for
another. Do you need to stand in the gap for a spouse, a coworker, a
politician, a business leader or a city leader? Why not identify now whom God
may call you to intercede for on their behalf.

Jesus said we have the keys to release His will upon the
earth in matters of which He has already spoken (see Matt. 16:19). Understand
your spiritual authority and responsibility to pray for those that God places
on your heart. Become a change agent and impact your culture.

Adapted from Change Agent by Os Hillman, copyright 2011, published by Charisma House. This book
shows you that you have the ability to be a change agent in today’s culture and
bring lasting impact through intercessory prayer and your circle of influence.
Learn how you can make a difference in the seven mountains of cultural
influence—business, government, media, arts & entertainment,
education, family, and church. To order your copy click on this link.

PRAYER POWER FOR THE WEEK OF 11/28/2011

This week as we enter the busy Christmas season pray for
open doors to share His love and gospel with the many who desperately need Him.
Begin with intercession for those closest to you and continue by praying for
those God lays on your heart in the seven mountains of cultural influence.
Remember Israel as they host thousands of tourists in this “holy” season. Lift
up our president and those in government working to solve our economic and
global challenges. Ask God to make you a “change agent” in your sphere of
influence and agree with His will for revival and the worldwide spread of His kingdom.
Isaiah 53:12; Rom. 8:26-27; I John 3:8; Matt. 16:19

To enrich your prayer
life and learn how to strategically pray with power by using appropriate
scriptures, we recommend the following sources by Apostle John Eckhardt: Prayers that Rout Demons, Prayers that Bring Healing, Prayers that Release Heaven on Earth and Prayers that Break
Curses. To order any or all of these click here.