One day, I was trying to help my daughter overcome some undesirable habits. I simply told her; “Anytime, you feel like doing stuff like that, just say this; “Satan, leave me alone!”” Her response got me thinking; “But Daddy, what if I don’t shout, will the devil still obey me?” I immediately took time to educate her on spiritual authority.
Friend, you need to understand spiritual authority. Much more, you need to know how to discharge spiritual authority. The man who does not know how to use his authority is not different from one who has no authority (Psalms 49:20). Every believer has been given authority over the devil and his works, but few know how to use it (Luke 10:19, John 1:12).
Understanding is critical to the exercise of your authority in Christ and every other kingdom advantage. Understanding provides faith. Faith impacts boldness. Boldness is the force behind the exercise of your authority (Acts 4:13, 29-33). Just as the potency of a gun is not just in its bullet, but in the trigger or force with which it is released, you need boldness. You can be loaded and yet be stranded (Psalms 78:9-11).
Truly, the devil does not respect your shout, but he definitely bows to the force behind the shout. If it is by shouting, then the sons of sceva would have had their way (Acts 19:13-17). Also, it is not the number of times you call the name of Jesus that makes it to deliver. It is the faith behind the mention (Acts 4:10, Philippians 2:9-11). Sometimes, calling the name of Jesus several times could be proof that you are faithless.
The littlest saint is more powerful than the strongest demon (Matthew 11:11). Our authority is not first in our growth and maturity. It is in our union with Christ (Ephesians 1:19-23, 2:6). Growth, maturity, prayer, etc., only help your understanding and boldness. Sometimes, the person who gets results in the kingdom may not be the one who prays the longest or shouts the loudest. It is the one who understands spiritual authority and is bold enough to exercise it (Matthew 8:8-10).
Why did I tell my daughter to tell the devil to leave her alone? Because I know she has the authority. She might just be six years old, but the Ancient of Days lives in her (Job 32:6-10). She might look small and little, but greater is He that is in her than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4, 5:4). What about you? Do you know that the Ancient of Days lives in you? Do you know that the greater one lives inside of you? Then, rise in faith and boldness, and shut down the devil in your life; health, marriage, finance, ministry, business, etc. Why not do so now?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria