There are many debates around this issue of whether Christians need deliverance. To settle this matter it is important to search the scriptures to see what wisdom they offer us in this regard. The bible teaches us that a thing is established by two or more witnesses. Similarly, the accord of two or three is not easily broken. Let us examine the witness that is in the word of God.
17But the high priest rose up and all who were his supporters, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and being filled with jealousy and indignation and rage,18 they seized and arrested the apostles (special messengers) and put them in the public jail.19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and, leading them out, said,20Go, take your stand in the temple courts and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life (the eternal life which Christ revealed). [Acts 5:17-20 AMP]
In this portion of scripture we see that the apostles were jailed because of their preaching the message of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. When the gospel is preached it at times invites persecution and danger. Men and women in authority can and do use their positions to institute draconian laws in a bid to curb Christianity.
In the above scripture the chief priest was filled with so much jealousy and indignation and rage that he used his position to land them in jail. Think of all the Christian martyrs through the ages who have been burnt at the stake or worse, for you and me to hear the gospel. Beloved, it may not be so in your country but generally speaking there isn’t a lot of religious freedom in the world. There are many countries where governments decree the strict control of Christianity and its worshippers.
6As we were on our way to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who was possessed by a spirit of divination [claiming to foretell future events and to discover hidden knowledge], and she brought her owners much gain by her fortunetelling.17She kept following Paul and [the rest of] us, shouting loudly, These men are the servants of the Most High God! They announce to you the way of salvation! 18And she did this for many days. Then Paul, being sorely annoyed and worn out, turned and said to the spirit within her, I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! And it came out that very moment.19But when her owners discovered that their hope of profit was gone, they caught hold of Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the forum (marketplace), [where trials are held]. 20And when they had brought them before the magistrates, they declared, These fellows are Jews and they are throwing our city into great confusion. 21They encourage the practice of customs which it is unlawful for us Romans to accept or observe! 22The crowd [also] joined in the attack upon them, and the rulers tore the clothes off of them and commanded that they be beaten with rods. 23And when they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely.24He, having received [so strict a] charge, put them into the inner prison (the dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks.25But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them,26Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken; and at once all the doors were opened and everyone's shackles were unfastened.27When the jailer, startled out of his sleep, saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was on the point of killing himself, because he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul shouted, Do not harm yourself, for we are all here! [Acts 16: 16-28 AMP]
If we look at these two portions of scripture we see that although they were obeying Gods command of propagating the gospel they found themselves in prison and in need of deliverance. In times where you know that you are following the precepts of God and find yourself in some kind of bind, know that you can call on God and he is willing and able to deliver you from every affliction.
Your deliverance may not be as dramatic as Paul and Silas but know that God will surely deliver you. This does not mean the miracles of the book of Acts have ceased, they still happen. So do not limit God in his capacity and creativity when He answers your prayers for deliverance.
The principle is the same. Just search through the bible and select the promises of deliverance; or find scriptures where God has delivered His people and pin your hope and faith for deliverance there. Confess his word believing that He never sleeps or slumbers. His Hand is not too short (weak) that He cannot deliver. Keep confessing, keep believing. He who delivered Paul and Silas will surely deliver you!
The power of His ever abiding presence is in His every word. His shield and protection is in His word. The shadow of His authority and power is connected to His every word. He never fails to act swiftly and mightily with His word.
Beloved these are tested principles. As it was relevant to the situations of yesteryear, it is still relevant today for your case. Just apply it to your case as stated here; you will see yourself floating in the supernatural realm of signs and wonders.
One thing you must do
To ensure that this strategy works for you optimally; and God turns your test into a testimony, you must do the following:
· Repent and surrender your life to Jesus
· Live a holy life: without holiness no man can see God. Please note that holiness is not about what you cannot do. People have reduced holiness to skirt lengths and makeup which is sad because God is much deeper and wiser than such issues. I will leave that discussion as is and tackle this aspect at another time. The bible tells us when we live in the Spirit of God, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh which bring death; but instead we will be free from sin and its ill effects.
· Prayer. Combine prayer with personal prophecy (refer to posts on personal prophecy for a definition and how to apply it to your life). Try it, it will work wonders for you.
In closing, persistence is the key. A simple yet powerful lesson can be learnt from Daniel who lived a life of prayer and devotion. Daniel was a prayer warrior who had reached a rank in the spirit where he was interceding for a nation. So powerful was his ministry that he attracted powerful and fierce persecution from the kingdom of darkness.
2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning [fasting] for three whole weeks. 3I ate no pleasant or desirable food, nor did any meat or wine come into my mouth; and I did not anoint myself at all for the full three weeks. [Daniel 10:2-3 AMP]
On the 21st day of Daniels prayer and fasting he had a visitation from the angel that was battling on his behalf against the darkness.
6His body also was [a golden luster] like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and his feet like glowing burnished bronze, and the sound of his words was like the noise of a multitude [of people or the roaring of the sea]. [Daniel 10:6 AMP] 12 "Don't be afraid, Daniel," he said to me, "for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia. [HCSB 12-13]
From these scriptures we can see two important things. When you pray something is happening about your situation. Firstly, God hears you the second you cry out to him in faith. Regardless of what it may look like in this realm, it does not mean God is not on your case. Daniel only found out on the 21st day what had happened during his fasting and prayer. But he kept his faith and continued to Pray Until Something Happened [PUSH].
Secondly, God will assign an angel for you that excels in might and strength. One who is as persistent in battle as you are in prayer. The Angel assigned to Daniel by God was able to not only withstand the prince of Persia but also the kings of Persia. Beloved if you did not know, God Almighty is able to deliver you from ALL persecution, whether it is authored by the devil himself or a jealous crazy human. In closing, let the words Daniel's Angel told him when he was feeling weak strengthen you in your mortal body and spirit.
9He said, "Don't be afraid, you who are treasured [by God]. Peace to you; be very strong!" [HCSB 12-13]
God bless you
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