5 Unknown Warfare Battles: From Authority to Influence
Hey there, Equippers!
Leadership isn’t about titles or positions; it’s about influence. But true influence doesn’t come by force or control—it flows from love, trust, and the Holy Spirit’s work in you.
In this edition, I want to share a personal story of transformation and explore five spiritual warfare battles every leader faces when moving from authority to influence. These battles are pivotal to leading in a way that inspires people to follow out of trust and fulfillment, not fear or intimidation.
My Story: From Demanding Submission to Leading with Love
There was a time in my life when I was an intimidating leader. I was driven—so driven that my leadership stemmed from an orphan heart and a misunderstanding of the Father’s love. I demanded submission, though I didn’t always say it out loud. I could even point to scripture and say, “It says here: submit!”
I was quick to cut people off if they didn’t follow my way. I thought I was strong, but in reality, I was broken. Then God stepped in. I was healed of my brokenness and delivered from a demon that had fueled my need to control.
That encounter changed everything. I learned to lead differently—not through fear or force, but through love and influence. I began leading by example, living a life that invited people to follow but didn’t demand it. No longer did I need submission to validate my leadership; I trusted the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts, just as He had worked in mine.
Battle 1: The Battle Over Your Motives
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you.” (Matthew 20:25-26, NIV)
Leadership begins with a heart check: Why are you leading? Are you building your own kingdom or stewarding God’s?
This battle often reveals pride or a desire for control. True Kingdom leadership is motivated by a love for God and His people, not a need for validation.
🔑 Lead with humility. Humility draws people; arrogance pushes them away.
🔑 Serve first. Jesus led by washing feet, not demanding a throne.
🔑 Keep God at the center. True influence flows from obedience to Him.
Battle 2: The Battle Over Trust
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1, NIV)
Trust isn’t given; it’s earned. If people don’t trust you, they won’t follow you. This battle often involves consistency and vulnerability.
To lead without controlling others requires great trust in God. You must trust Him to move people forward as you create an atmosphere of trust and transparency.
🤝 Be consistent. Align your words and actions every time.
🤝 Invest in relationships. Spend time learning their hearts and building relational equity.
🤝 Be transparent. Show your humanity by sharing your own journey of growth.
Battle 3: The Battle Over Influence vs. Control
“Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3, NIV)
Leading with influence means finding and unlocking the God-given gifts in those you lead. When you focus on control, you miss the opportunity to empower people in their calling. Instead, identify the God desire in them and position them where they are fulfilled in using their gifts and talents.
🌟 Discover their gifts. Take time to learn what God has placed inside them.
🌟 Be honest about abilities. Give constructive feedback to help them grow.
🌟 Empower through alignment. Position them in roles that align with their talents and spiritual gifts.
When people are operating in their God-given purpose, they’ll move forward with joy and commitment—not because they’re forced, but because they’re fulfilled.
Battle 4: The Battle Over Legacy
“Even after he was banished from the presence of Pharaoh, Moses cried out to the LORD.” (Exodus 8:30, NIV)
Legacy-focused leaders look beyond today. They ask, How can I build something that lasts for the Kingdom? This battle shifts your mindset from immediate results to eternal impact.
🌱 Disciple intentionally. Pour into others who will carry the mission forward.
🌱 Multiply leaders. Equip others to lead, creating a ripple effect for generations.
🌱 Focus on eternal fruit. Success is measured by lives changed for Christ.
Battle 5: The Battle Over Spiritual Maturity
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14, NIV)
To lead with influence, you must lead from overflow. Your spiritual growth directly affects your ability to create an atmosphere of trust, love, and empowerment.
🙏 Stay rooted in prayer. A prayerless leader is a powerless leader.
🙏 Immerse in the Word. Let scripture shape your decisions and strategies.
🙏 Follow the Spirit. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you in leading well.
When you prioritize your spiritual health, you’ll naturally lead with wisdom, love, and confidence.
Influence Over Demands: Leadership Like Jesus
Jesus didn’t demand submission—He invited people into His mission. His life of love, service, and truth inspired multitudes to follow Him willingly.
As leaders, we are called to model that same kind of influence. Here are a few questions to reflect on:
Am I creating an atmosphere where people desire to follow me because they see Christ in me?
Am I identifying and nurturing their God-given gifts?
Am I leading in a way that empowers them to grow in their own calling?
Real influence is never about controlling others. It’s about trusting God, serving well, and equipping people to thrive in their Kingdom purpose.
The Equipping Community: Pre-Launch Invitation 🎉
Are you ready to finish this season strong and start fresh with greater influence? Join The Equipping Community!
🌟 Big Purpose:
We bring together God-inspired, Holy Spirit-led change-makers who are transitioning out of old wineskin traditional ways of thinking so we can overcome spiritual warfare, foster courage, exchange breakthrough strategies, and produce healthy, cutting-edge Jesus communities.
🌟 What’s waiting for you:
A supportive space to grow as a Kingdom leader.
A special video where I share the heart and vision of The Equipping Community.
Practical tools to deepen your leadership and walk in God’s purpose.
➡️ Join the Pre-Launch Today!
Let’s lead with love, inspire through influence, and step into God’s plans for a powerful new season!