Scripture: John 14 v 11 - 13: "Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
The secret to great authority in spiritual matters is in the depth of our submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. When He says those that live in Him will do the works He has done or even greater things, it is belief wrapped in devotion, and determination to do His will, that is needed.
It is a deep and abiding belief that is unshakeable. It is faith that cannot conceive of failure. It is the type of faith that grows stronger the worse a situation grows. Like the testimony of Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal.
They had a contest to see who was greater, Baal or the Lord God Almighty. Baal never responded, never sent down fire on their altar, never touched their dressed bullock, never communicated.
Elijah drowned his altar in water and our God responded and sent fire to consume the sacrifice, the whole altar and its bullock. The people were convinced. The false prophets were slain. Elijah believed and received.
The late Russian pastor, Richard Wurmbrand, imprisoned for many years for preaching the gospel, was severely tortured in the Siberian prison. He kept loving and thanking those who counted him worthy to suffer for Jesus. All the torturers got saved and had to be replaced! Our God wanted those hard men and the many other prisoners he ministered to, saved from Hell. Richard knew he was in that prison on a mission for God.
People around us worry when we stick our necks out for the sake of righteousness and truth, while many other servants of the Most High God opt for compromise and political correctness. We would rather face slander, mockery and scoffing than avoid rebuke by agreeing with the enemy's lies.
If we want Godly authority like Jesus had, we must walk as He walked. He must be able to trust us with His Word. We must know His Word and use it to confound the mockers and sceptics with truth they cannot deny. He must be able to trust us to carry out His will.
"Through a multitude of tests, you will learn courage. It does not matter the price you pay, but at any cost you must obtain strength of character and the fortitude to endure. I would build your resources until you are able to carry unusually heavy loads and withstand intense pressures.
You will become an ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven to whom I can assign critical missions, confident that you are equipped to fulfill them. It will be in vain if you anticipate resting in a comfortable place. Zion is already filled with those who are at ease. No, you will find yourself put in a place of training and discipline, so that when the moments of crisis come you will not become fainthearted, and you will not be the victim of unwonted fear. Trust My instruction in all of this, as you have in various past experiences. I am faithful and loving, and I am doing this so that you may meet the future days and not be found wanting."
'Fortitude' -Come Away My Beloved,
by Frances J. Roberts
The word above was a trumpet call in my life many years ago. It was not an option then and has been proven multiple times in my life, and He is not finished yet. The only promise He makes is that I would not be found wanting. He always triumphs and is victorious because He chose me for one reason, I am extremely persistent. He made me that way and I cannot quit. I see the glory of Jesus ahead of me and that's where I intend to be.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You will use the Fortitude call to commitment on the hearts, minds and lives of those who mean business with You. Lead them to the place of great authority and greater works to meet the challenges of these last days. In Jesus' name. Amen.
