by Wade E Taylor
“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:9-11
The nations of this world are dramatically influenced by principalities and powers – the rulers of darkness who are seated in the heavenlies and adversely affect the atmosphere in which we live. Their purpose is to produce spiritual darkness, and as much as possible impede those who seek any level of spirituality.
At this present time, we should be both hindering and replacing their influence and control with that which is Godly – which will lead to righteousness, peace, and joy in our personal lives, our families, in all that relates to us, and then, throughout the earth.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12
This “wrestling” is a spiritual authority that weakens the enemy, which is gained through intercession, prayer, and corporate worship. This authority is enhanced and established through our coming into a corporate “unity” and “harmony” in our gatherings, especially during our worship.
“And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.” Leviticus 26:8
Demons are disembodied spirits, who Jesus said are to be “cast out.” Principalities are fallen angels and they cannot be cast “out” – as they were never “in.” But they can be defeated through “replacement,” whereby the strength of these principalities that are entrenched in the heavens is weakened and replaced with our strength.
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
This “gathering” is more than our meeting together. It is a unity of heart intent and purpose. When this unity is present, the Lord says, “I am in your midst.” Thus, it is very important for us to be “gathered together” with others of like spirit and mind.
As we sing and worship in harmony, we are lifted into a manifestation of the Lord’s presence. As the Lord releases His presence in our midst and quickens us, our faith will build and we will be brought up into a higher order of divine purpose and function.
Now, we can pray with authority, which will affect not only our lives and circumstances, but also these principalities, lessening their control and influence over our spirituality, our gatherings, our personal life circumstances, and also, over the nations.
“…now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God…” (Ephesians 3:10-12). That which is to be made “known” to these principalities, which will greatly affect them, will come through our intercession, prayer, or through a word that will flow out from us in power – as a result of the Lord being present with us in intervention.
The enemy of our “redemptive purpose and ministry calling” has been successful in our seeking to push into the future any effectiveness that we may presently have. He attempts to convince us that we are not worthy of such – but maybe some time in the future we will be. Thus, we say, “Someday I will have power and authority.”
Our placing an effective ministry into the future does not relate to the “manifold wisdom of God” that is to have a “present” outworking – “now.” In His “eternal wisdom,” our Lord said, “…not many mighty, not many noble, are called, but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise….” (I Corinthians 1:26-27).
Because of our inabilities, weaknesses, and limitations, a greater “glory” will be given to the Lord – for it can be clearly seen by others that we are incapable of that which the Lord is enabling us to accomplish.
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
Many have noticed that the Lord is not moving in our country as He is in other nations. This is because they have a greater tendency to believe in the supernatural and what the Lord has said, and then act on it in simple faith. We know just enough to hinder our faith and ability to respond as the Lord desires. The Word says:
“…For to whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required….” Luke 12:48
We are to pray that the “eyes of our understanding” will be opened, so we might become both willing and available to the Lord in this, “the day of His power.” The Lord is getting a body of “overcomers” ready for the outworking of His end-time purposes.
To do this, it is necessary that He move beyond the limitations of our limited faith and ability, through direct intervention. Therefore, at this present time, there are those within the Church whom the Lord is moving upon to intercede and pray that He will be able to “break out” of these limiting hindrances that are within us, in order to move through us in intervention to accomplish His present day purposes.
May each of us look past our seeming limitations, and perceived reasons as to why we cannot be used by the Lord. Then, as an over-comer, rise above these and in simple faith respond and say as Mary of old:
“…Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to Your word….” Luke 1:38
Now, we can ask in faith knowing we have fulfilled our part in creating an open heaven (by displacing the rulers and powers of darkness), through which the SON can brightly shine to produce upon and within us a spiritual “tan” – His manifested glory that will draw the nations to Him .