When we talk about birthing revival in prayer, it’s important for us to understand how prayer works. The impact of our prayers often isn’t immediately evident, and because of that, if we don’t understand how prayer works, we can get discouraged and give up just as we are on the brink of breakthrough.
To illustrate this, let’s consider the testimony of John Ramirez, who was formerly a Satanist high priest. Ramirez is now a believer, after getting saved and discipled under David Wilkerson’s ministry. Now his primary ministry is to expose the works of darkness. Ramirez says, while he was a Satanist, the devil told him he had to go into a neighborhood in the spirit realm to weaken it in the natural. This principle also applies to prayer. Prayer does things in the spirit realm, and over time, we see the impact in the natural. Often, it takes time for what we accomplish in the spirit to manifest in the natural. This is why we must hold fast our confession of faith without wavering, believing that He who promised is faithful (see Heb. 10:23).
We see this in the story of Daniel, who interceded for 21 days before the angel came and told him that his prayers were heard on the first day. A demonic force had opposed the angel and prevented him from coming to Daniel for 21 days (see Dan.10:13). The enemy didn’t want Daniel to get his answer, but Daniel persisted in prayer. If Daniel didn’t get discouraged and give up, neither should we. Daniel held fast to his confession, and we can too. Our prayers are making a way in the spirit.
John Ramirez ultimately turned to Christ because he realized he couldn’t touch Christians. He saw the spiritual difference in neighborhoods where Christians were praying; his curses had no impact there. That led him to seek out the God of the Christians. We need to hear this! Our prayers have more impact than we realize. Jesus has given us authority to tread on the powers of evil; they cannot harm us (see Luke 10:19). “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4b, NIV).
God hears us when we pray, and we can confidently declare that He will fulfill His promises. The problem is not with Him. The problem is with the resistance in the spirit realm and with our tendency to lose faith when we don’t see an immediate answer. We must remember that, in prayer, we are entering the spirit realm and undoing the works of darkness. We are preparing the way for the kingdom of God to break through. It is impossible to pray and have nothing happen—but we don’t always see it in the natural right away. We must remind ourselves of this truth so that we do not lose heart. Our prayers are a mighty weapon.
Listen to this episode of The Purpose Project on the Charisma Podcast Network for more about discerning your prayer assignment from the Holy Spirit and how to fulfill it. Subscribe so you never miss an episode of this Spirit-filled content. {eoa}
For more teachings and content from Margie Fleurant on prayer and intercession, follow her on Facebook and Instagram @MargieFleurantMinistries, and follow Margie on YouTube for video content including prayer calls, teaching and events. Check out Margie’s books and other audio content at margiefleurant.org/store.
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