Charisma Magazine

Charisma Channels - Women

Written by Os Hillman  

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.