Claiming the Ground
by David Cross
We sometimes hear of those who are ‘claiming’ their town or city for Jesus. There may be meetings and marches to declare authority against the powers of darkness which rule over the area and promote sinful lifestyles. When Jesus sent out the seventy-two disciples to proclaim the truth and the healing power of God’s Kingdom, He warned them that there would be strong spiritual opposition. But He didn’t tell them to do battle directly with these unseen hostile powers.
God knows the spiritual condition of every nation, community and household in the world. It’s His desire that all will come to a place of receiving Jesus. But there’s powerful spiritual opposition from an enemy who has been given rights to rule over places where those occupying that ground have been in rebellion to God. No-one can fully confront that opposition unless the hearts of the people living there soften and turn towards the Lordship of Jesus. It’s particularly effective when leaders repent and are willing to come under God’s authority, as they spiritually represent the people coming under their sphere of influence.
Very often in the stories of families and communities who’ve come to Christ, we find that a few ordinary believers have been in intercession, agreeing with God about the sinfulness in their own lives and in that of their neighbours. Rather than our ‘taking on’ the ruling powers of the enemy, God’s way of progressing His Kingdom is to look for those who’re willing to stand in agreement with Him about sin. This intercession weakens the enemy’s hold and creates breakthroughs in the defences of the powers of darkness.
Those who are prayer warriors amongst us in the Body of Christ should seek the Lord about what he wants us to do in our communities so that we can be sent out by Jesus like the seventy-two disciples. He will show us how to stand in agreement with Him, disable the enemy’s strongholds and with His authority claim the ground for God's Kingdom use.
Prayer: Help me Lord to listen more carefully to your instructions, so that the things I do will also be those things that you have asked me to do. In Jesus's name. Amen
David Cross David is part of the Executive Leadership of Ellel Ministries, with particular responsibility for the Ellel centres in Western Europe. He is married to Denise and they have three grown up children and eight grandchildren. David has been a civil engineer and ski-touring instructor in the Highlands of Scotland. He is passionate about the teaching and practice of the healing and deliverance ministry of Jesus and has written several books: Soul Ties, Trapped by Control, God’s Covering, The Dangers of Alternative Ways to Healing(co-authored with John Berry), an A to Z Guide to the Healing Ministry, What`s Wrong with Human Rights? and, most recently, God`s Way out of Depression. You can follow a daily thought from David on Twitter: @dmcross62
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