Fall 2005
Overcoming Hindrances To Our Going Further
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. 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 lives, and 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 is gained through intercession. This authority is enhanced and established through our coming into a corporate “harmony” in our worship, and “unity” in our gatherings.

“And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a 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” in intercessory wrestling, whereby the strength of these principalities, who 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 simply meeting together. It is a unity of heart intent and purpose. When this unity is present, the Lord said, “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, along with an unfolding understanding of His will and purpose for us, both individually, and corporately in relation to the fellowship of which we are a part.

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. Now, our praying with authority will affect not only our lives and circumstances, but also these principalities, lessening their influence and control over our circumstances, and over nations.

“To the intent that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God … In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.” Ephesians 3:10-12

That which is to be “known” to these principalities and will greatly affect them, will come through a prayer, or a word that will flow out from us in power - as a result of the Lord being present with us.

However, the enemy of our redemptive purpose and ministry calling has been very successful in causing us to push into the future any effectiveness that we may have. He has convinced us that we are not worthy of such, but maybe some time in the future ... we will be. Thus, we say, “Some day I will have power and authority.”

But, our placing an effective ministry in 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 1:26b-27a).

This is you and I, and 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 has enabled 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 Christians in other nations have a greater tendency to believe what the Lord has said, and 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 12:48b

At this present time, there are those within the Church whom the Lord is moving upon to intercede that He might be able to “break out” of these hindrances, and bring a visitation to our nation. 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. May each of us look past the seeming limitations and the 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 1:38a