Satan and authority

April 29, 2004

Personal Narrations

Joel Akin

Calgary, Alberta

God and I were talking about authority. He was asking me this question about the recent dream where Satan was in heaven complaining about my recent activities. God asked me, "How did Satan know what you were doing?"

Now here is a question I didn't know how to answer. Why? Because when I had started taking on authority over various things I did so in my heart. I did not mention what I was doing to anyone. I did not speak outloud nor did I whisper them. I just thought these things.

Frankly I didn't know how to answer God. Lets look at a little history here. We've been raised in the church to believe there were two opposing forces. God and Christians on one side and Satan and the world on the other. This was the battle and it was an eternal battle which could only be won by being ever on guard, ever praying, ever careful. Now there is truth in that statement but what no one ever told me was "What do you do when you've overcome and have finally gained authority over Satan?"

God asked me that question tonight and I was stunned. I don't know. After all the past 8 months have been fighting against Satan and his demons. I thought that was the purpose of my prayers. Its true God said there would come a time when I would overcome but I figured that was years away after serious fighting that would go down into the annuals of history. Now here was God telling me that not only had I overcome Satan but Satan knew I was taking authority over some of his territory. How did Satan know? Did God tell him? And if God were to 'blame' then why was Satan going to God and complaining about me?

I not only didn't know how to answer this question but it was a huge mystery. Anyway I knew that God wanted me to understand this. So as I began seeking God for an answer He began asking a bunch of questions. Its the best way for me to learn.

Do you remember what James talked about? The prayer of faith shall heal the sick?

That in itself is both simple and a mystery. But it is prayer to God that is the key but there is also the issue of faith. Yet on top of that there is the badge or symbol of authority that God has placed on me. All three of these things have given me authority. Now when I pray God says I pray in faith. Faith becomes the hands which goes forth and the authority becomes the badge which then gives me the right to take on anything in Satan's kingdom. Now I don't understand all of it but God indicated that prayer and faith do not require an actual voice to go to work.

What we are dealing with is not just Joel's thought life though that is part of it. But a putting on of the mind of Christ. Allowing our spiritman to speak, and Satan must begin to release.

Now at present I'm still dealing with what I call the uncertainty principle. After all I've heard others talk about this authority but nothing ever seemed to come of it. So what makes my case any different? At this point I can only say what I believe God has shown me. There is not enough proof for the average Christian to accept. Still it makes sense spiritually speaking. And it gives us hope as Christians that we can overcome Satan and we don't have to be under his thumb for the rest of our lives. What joy in that thought.

And it fits in with the dream God gave me about a complaining Satan. Why else would Satan complain unless this authority is real?

But back to the issue of responsibility. He talked about fire. If there is something combustible to burn it will burn. I know that doesn't make sense as yet so hang on. God said that when we fight against Satan's kingdom we have to understand that he can only go where men allow him to go. We may have the power to put out a fire here or there but if men's hearts are wicked, if Christians don't care, then that fire can start up almost anywhere there is something to burn. Or in this case wherever there is sin. So if we take authority over Peter Lougheed hospital for a night what will Satan do if those people are released? He'll try to fill the hospital up again with new cases. Is that the reason our pastor and one other member of the church both ended up in the hospital this afternoon. One with broken ribs and the other with serious birth complications?

So the question I'm asking is when you fight against Satan you have to realize you are dealing and wrestling with powers and principalities. If he can't touch you or your family he'll go after people you know. So I asked God, "Is it my responsibility for these other fires?" And God let me know it wasn't. That each of us must learn to fight. Years ago God gave me a title. He called me a fireman and he gave me a dream that showed me fighting fires that were threatening the sheep. I thot I understood it then but I really understand it now. God has given me this authority but I am now beginning to see how much responsibility comes with fighting fires. And I can see why God is saying part of my ministry is to teach others how to fight so they can have this same authority.

We are as children in our understanding. I am the first to admit that. I fight and think I've arrived only to realize I'm still learning. I can't fight this battle alone. Its too big for one person.

And I can see why God is saying to be careful in the fights I pick because of the responsibility that comes with it. He has said just because I can doesn't mean I should. Whoa. Talk about dealing with a new way of seeing things. Here there is trouble and sorrow on every side and God is telling me He's preparing me for holidays and rest. Is that Biblical? All I know is that is what God says is coming for me and to be honest? I can't wait as I need it so much.