Let’s face it, life can be hard. It can be busy and full of worry and what if’s. At times it can feel like you are getting zinged and stung by problem after problem.
In Luke 10:18-21, Jesus told His followers, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”
In verse 19, Jesus says that He gave us authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and authority to overcome all the power of the enemy.
The word authority used here, in the Greek “exousia” means: permission, right, privilege and liberty. We have permission to overcome all the power of the enemy. It is, in fact, our right as believers and followers of Jesus. Jesus gifted us that authority by God’s will.
In verse 21, Jesus says that it pleases God the Father to reveal these truths to His children. Just think of that, it pleases God for you to know that you have authority to overcome.
In that authority, you can tread and trample the evil that tries to harm you. So if you trample it, then that situation is under you feet; if it is under your feet, then guess what… you ain’t lookin at it anymore!! It is below you. It is under you because God’s power is effective and stronger than the enemy.
One day, I was in prayer with a good friend, and as we were beginning to pray for another friend, I saw a scorpion crawling on the rug toward us. I told my friend the scorpion was there, and without stopping her prayer, she just stood up calmly and stomped it to death.
I absolutely loved this. Not only was a scorpion being trampled in real life, but so was our enemy in the spiritual realm. Jesus has given us authority and it is time to stomp on those scorpions instead of just watching them walk up to us and sting us.
Ephesians 6:13-18 encourages us to, “ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Below is a confession based off of several scriptures that can help you claim your authority in Christ and rightfully overcome.
Confession:
Jesus has given me the authority to overcome all the power of the enemy. That is His desire and heart for me. I have permission to overcome all evil that would try to come against me (fear, wickedness, deceit, lying, backbiting, pain, gossip, offense and a lack of joy). I have permission and authority to overcome these things, for it pleases God.
When trouble comes, I retreat into my high tower and into the city of God. God lives in that city and it will not be shaken. A river of joy runs to that city and He fills me with His joy.
I will not be shaken because I’m with my Daddy (God). I will have joy because the river keeps brining it and it won’t run out.
Lord, I receive your unshakeable joy that comes to me. The tactics of the enemy that try so hard to shake me will have no success. Only I will have success as I retreat into God and He heals me, comforts me, relives me and soothes me. He will comfort my heart on the inside and my body on the outside.
I take authority over all anxiety that tries to come against my body and mind and I tell it to go now, in Jesus’ name. Pain must submit to my authority in Christ. Peace, you are welcome here and you will reside here. I give you permission to stay. I command that peace of God to guard my thoughts and my mind. I will not dwell on any thoughts that do not serve or benefit me. I banish them and all fear in Jesus’ mighty and supreme name. Everything in heaven and on earth and under the earth must bow to the name of Jesus. Amen.
