2 Corinthians 10:3-6 – “For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards, ⁴ for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds.  We tear down arguments ⁵ and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.  ⁶ We are also ready to punish every act of disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, I was drawn to the power, purpose, and principle of prayer – Effective Fervent Prayer.

In Matthew 6:1-15, we find Jesus giving the disciples a simple yet complex pattern of prayer.  He gave them insight into prayer warfare.

Jesus promises that we will NEVER be forsaken or left defenseless.   We have a formidable enemy, far more powerful than us (in the natural).  That enemy HAS BEEN defeated but not annihilated.   Jesus authorized us to use the Word of God, the Spirit of God, the Blood of Jesus, and the Name of Jesus.   Authorization is not ability.   Ability is developed and learned.

We must reach the place where we believe Jesus has the ability.  We must reach the place where we believe He has granted us authority.  Then, we begin the process of learning to use the weapons.  If we focus on the wrong things, we will not prevail.  2 Corinthians 10:3-6 reveals the necessary truth that, if grasped, will enable us to become the overcomers Jesus said we are.

The flesh is not the enemy.   The enemy is the influencer, not the flesh.

Our weapons are not earthly.  They are not enhanced by human wisdom or talent but by total surrender to the living God.  True Victory begins in heaven, not on earth.

If we truly see the victory of Jesus and believe that we are authorized to use His weapons, we discover the courage to enforce Calvary’s victory.

• According to Eph. 1:7, by the Blood of Jesus, we are redeemed.
• According to Eph. 1:7, by the Blood of Jesus, ALL our sins are forgiven.
• According to 1 John 1:7, the Blood of Jesus continually cleanses us from ALL sin.
• According to Rom. 5:9, by the Blood of Jesus, we are justified, made righteous, just as if we had never sinned.
• According to Hebrews 13:12, by the Blood of Jesus, we are sanctified, made holy, and set apart.
• According to 1 Cor. 16:19-20, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, the devil has no place in us and no power over us.

The development of any ability in the natural requires F.I.T.

F = frequency.   (We have to regularly attempt to try.  Practice.)

I = Intensity.  (We do not become proficient trying between commercials or on coffee breaks.  It requires devoted effort.)

T = Time.  (We do not learn and develop abilities instantly.)

Therefore, in this warfare, to be effective requires knowledge of who God is, what He promised, and what He provided.  It requires the belief that we are authorized.   It requires commitment to Him.  It requires a willingness to fail repeatedly until we become Strong in the Lord and the Power of His Might!

We are commissioned, but are we convinced and committed?    F.I.T.  don’t quit, F.I.T.

May the energia of the Holy Spirit permeate your entire being!