When you made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, Colossians 1:13 says you were delivered from the power of darkness. The word power is literally translated “authority.” You have been delivered from the power, or authority, of darkness and placed into God’s kingdom. Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore...” (Matthew 28:18-19). That power was given to you as part of your inheritance in Christ Jesus. You have entered into this position of authority because you are in Him.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19(kjv) As you can see from scripture you have the power, authority and ability to cast out of your atmosphere everything that is dark, deadly and negative from your life. But again, you must chose to utilize the authority and the great and exciting part of this enigma is that it WORKS. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.
How authority works
Authority doesn't beg; authority doesn't ask; authority commands! We are not told to ask God to cast out demons, we are told to do it ourselves! Due to the lack of confidence and application of scripture many believers will ask instead of commanding. When you have been given the authority to take control asking God to cast out the darkness and power that has encroached upon them instead of doing it themselves. When we do that we are asking God to do something that He has already equipped us to do ourselves!
One of the most vital areas of the believer’s authority is his power to successfully stand against Satan. Ephesians 4:27 says, “Neither give place to the devil.” In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul describes the armor that we as believers are to wear in combat against Satan. He explains each piece of that armor. It is the armor of God. But not once does he say that God will put the armor on you or that God will fight the devil for you. You is the understood subject of these verses. He says, “[You] be strong in the Lord…. [You] put on the whole armor of God, that [you] may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [You] take the whole armor of God, that [you] may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, [you] stand.”
God has given you the power and the authority to stand against Satan and his destructive works. He has provided the armor, but it is your responsibility as a believer to put on that armor and stand against the devil. James 4:7 says, “[You] resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The armor and the weapons are at your disposal. God is there with you to back His Word; but all that is worthless unless you take your position of authority and assume the responsibility to use what He has provided. You have the power and the authority to take the Word of God, the Name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit and run Satan out of your affairs. Don’t pray and ask God to fight Satan for you. You are the one in authority. Take your responsibility and speak directly to Satan yourself and stand your ground firmly. He will flee!
Taking authority affirmation prayer:
Father I confess that I have been intimidated by the enemy and have hesitated to step out in obedience to enforce your authority in the earth. Today I choose to walk in authority instead of just taking authority. Father I discern and judge myself first, so that I have no fear of condemnation, I receive the spiritual authority that Jesus has given to all of us as believers, I choose to be a good steward of the spiritual authority that has been entrusted to me.
I fully submit and humble myself at your feet. I will allow God's love to be perfected in me, casting out all fear in Christ; I have spiritual authority to forgive, to call those things that are not as though they were. I have the authority to command healing, to command change, to command peace. I will practice what I teach, I will speak what you say, and I will act as a child of the most high God, submitting to the stricter judgment of God. My motivation is to know Jesus and to grow in his character and fruit. My soul thirsts to be in right relationship with Jesus conforming to your authority.
I will be a true peacemaker confronting evil, I will not settle for passiveness or compromise with my flesh. I operate in my gifts in the fullness of the measure that was given to me, I will speak the truth and preach the gospel in authority, without boasting, not touching your glory, I say what the Father says to say with great boldness of speech, Jesus has given me power over demonic spirits; and they are subject to me. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen!