1 Peter 5:8 ESV
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
The only authority the enemy has in anyone’s life is that which they give him. It says that he is “seeking whom he may devour.” This means that he cannot just devour anyone; he needs us to cooperate with him. One of the ways we cooperate with the enemy is through wrong beliefs. If you believe that sickness is from God and you accept it as something good, and if you passively wait for God to deal with it, then the enemy will be able to cause you to perish and suffer longer than you should – you could even die. Wrongly believing that sickness is sometimes from God would prevent you from resisting the devil and his works (James 4:7).
There is no need to be scared of the devil! You’re a child of God with authority to use the Name of Jesus (John 14:14) and tell the devil to get lost! Many believers are more confident in the devil’s faithfulness to attack them and to cause misery, than in God’s faithfulness regarding His Word. Don’t focus on the devil’s works in your life: rather focus on what God’s Word says about you.
Colossians 1:13 KJV
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”.
This is a wonderful truth for us as believers! If you can grab a hold of this, it will radically change your life. Firstly, you need to take note of what has already happened (past tense). God has already delivered you from (taken you out of) the power of darkness. You might see and feel the devil’s influence in your life or body. You might feel like he’s got a hold on you and is influencing you greatly, but that is all illegitimate. You have already been delivered (set free) from the power of darkness! If the devil can make you believe the lie that he’s got you, then he’ll have you. Many Christians live as if they’re in a jail – burdened and in bondage. But they just don’t realize that they were acquitted and declared innocent. Now the jail is unlocked and all they need to do is walk out of the cell. You’ve been set free. Now step into the freedom that is yours!
You have been taken out of the kingdom of darkness and translated (or transferred) into the kingdom of Jesus. You are no longer under the dominion of darkness. You have been taken out of the realm where sin dominates you, and you have been placed in the kingdom where grace reigns – you are free from sin! You’re existing in a new kingdom which has a new way of operating. Selfishness and hatred are now replaced by love and forgiveness. You’ve been taken out of sickness and placed in health. You’ve been set free from depression and have joy, peace and a sound mind! Even though you’re in this world, you’re a citizen of another kingdom (Philippians 3:20). You no longer have to be dominated by the things that unbelievers are dominated by.
Ephesians 2:6 ESV
“and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus”
Not only have you been taken out darkness and places in a better kingdom, but you have also been raised up to sit with Christ in heavenly places. This speaks of your authority. You are seated in Christ “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named” (Ephesians 1:21). The authority, power and dominion that you have is far greater than all the demons in hell could have (altogether) over you. You are above every name that is named. Sickness has many names: Cancer, AIDS, Ebola, Diabetes … the list continues indefinitely. You are seated, in Christ, far above any and every sickness! Any sickness in your body is 100% illegal, because you belong to a kingdom where health reigns.
SAY IT OUT ALOUD: I have been taken out of the kingdom of darkness, and I have been placed into the Kingdom of Jesus! I am no longer dominated by darkness, nor any work of the devil. I have been taken out of depression, out of sickness and disease, and I am now living in joy and perfect health! Any sickness or infirmity in my body is 100% illegitimate and illegal, and in the Name of Jesus I command every illegal immigrant in my body to GO now! The devil is under my feet. Sickness and disease are under my feet. I have authority over the devil and his works, and therefore I declare healing, recovery and perfect health in my body! Amen!