Joanna Fruhauf

I shared recently with a young mother to be about taking our authority in Christ.  It was over a matter of thoughts... Many of us, if not all, at some point in time are inundated by a barrage of thoughts.... worries.... concerns.... fears.... lusts... coventousness.... injustices.... vengeance's... jealousies.... etc..

Some thoughts are random and have little effect on our lives,  others can overwhelm us, take us like a captive, control us, and manipulate us... those thoughts seek to steal and rob us of the Peace of God which we are to LET rule in our hearts.   

We have to think of those thoughts as if they are just that, thieves!  They are not friends, they are not welcome, they are not to be entertained!  We do NOT have to engage these thoughts or make ourselves subject to them!  We are to take and excercise our authority in Christ over them.

Years ago I had thoughts that continually, like turbulent waves, used to crash over me.... thoughts very related to fear.  To the point where it paralyzed certain aspects of my life.  I Had to excercise the authority that Jesus Christ has given to me.... The Scripture that encouraged and strengthened me (of which there were many) was "To take EVERY thought CAPTIVE to the OBEDIENCE of Christ!" 2 Cor 10:4-5.

The picture I had was that I was a soldier ( much like a gladiator-can't you just imagine me - hahha) and the thoughts that tormented me were these little, ok some big, wretched imps, that I had to grab by the back of the neck, taking them captive, throwing them down with great force on the ground in front of the Throne of Christ and then stepping on their necks.  Regardless of their annoying taunting, constant ramblings and irritating perhaps even convincing arguments!

These were enemies.  They were not on my side.  They did not strengthen me. They did not help in any situation!

Once I got this picture securely in my mind, I even at times found myself yelling into the air fighting these thoses when they attacked.  It was often a matter of even yelling out loud at the enemy himself 'Satan, I will not allow you to rob me, annoy me, control or manipulate me with this'

And though it was a process of time and redirecting my thoughts and placing them on that which is lovely, of good reputation, etc. I finally overcame those fruitless thoughts.

I would encourage everyone to take the authority of Christ over their thoughts....If you start there, other areas eventually fall into line!