The third level of faith, after weak faith and assured faith, is authoritative faith. That level of faith, closely allied with intercessory prayer, is the position in which God puts Himself at our disposal, so to speak. It is a position in which, in the words of Rees Howells, founder of the Bible College of Wales, the objective is “gained” and no further prayer needs to be offered. In gaining that position, God gives us a kind of carte blanche in which we may ask anything we wish in the area of our victory.
The example of that kind of faith is Moses interceding for Israel (Exodus 32:7–14). Because of Israel’s sin in making a golden calf, God determined to destroy the people and make a new nation out of Moses. But Moses prayed agonizingly for his people and reached the place where God, in a sense, put Himself in Moses’ hands to do whatever Moses asked. The position was gained, the authority was reached, the key was granted. Then Moses, using his new authority, asked God to restore Israel to His favor and grace, which God did—for Moses’ sake.
Examples could be multiplied: Peter’s authority with the Gentiles, the disciples’ authority over demons, Paul’s authority with rulers, and Elijah’s authority over his enemies. Only trusted men are given such authority, and it is given in only one specific area. Such people are the extended fingers and hands of God on earth.
On the bottom of the ladder of faith are the words “Climb as high as you can.” God encourages me to become a great believer in Him, and to grow so strong in the discipline that He will be able to trust me with responsible functions in His great, eternal plan. When He glances over His army to find responsible people, may He find me like Abraham, “strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4:20).
“Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, and you shall commit to Me the work of My hands” (Isaiah 45:11).
Daily with the King 