I have been asked how to break generational curses when the curse involves a close family member. Here are some biblical insights.
The Bible teaches us that when we pass from this life to the next life we will become worshippers. Our full-time responsibility will be to give God the glory. Revelation 14:7; 15:4; Philippians 2:9-11; Psalm 100. Worship is what you do when you come into the presence of God.
However, in this life we have been given the task to intercede for those with whom we come in contact. Many of us are so overwhelmed with our own issues that the thought of taking on someone else's issue is beyond us but the Bible teaches us that is exactly what we are being called upon to do even as we face our own problems. Our love for our neighbor or family member should be demonstrated by doing all that is in our power to exercise. The Bible teaches us to give of our material wealth to others and to intercede on their behalf. I John 3:16-17; Matthew 5:40-45; James 5:14-16.
Do a study and note how the Apostle Paul made it his life-style to pray and intercede for the brethren. Ephesians 3:16; Phil. 1:4; Col. 1:3; I Thess. 3:10; 3 John 1:2. Paul knew the power of the believer to intercede for others and declared it as he wrote the letter to the church at Ephesus.
In Ephesians 1:17-23, the Apostle declares that there has been a power given to the believer, as exemplified by the power that God used to raise Jesus from the grave when He placed Him at His right hand - the place of power. Read carefully. We are being told that we have been given this power to bring power to the powerless. The Letter further states that we have been raised with Christ and have been seated in heavenly places, (Eph. 2:6-10) not for our glory, but for God's glory. From this place of power we will be able to accomplish the good works which He prepared in advance for us to do. As a believer I have been given the authority to perform good works on behalf of the Lord Almighty. Much of what is seen will be our earthly endeavors, but the multitude or even those who benefit will not see what will count most. The countless hours that you will spend praying for the salvation and deliverance of your family and circle of friends may never get a "thank you" from them. But Jesus was clear that we should not expect the gratitude of men. Matter of fact, we do not even want it. Jesus said if we do those things in secret, our heavenly father will reward us openly. Matthew 6:1-18. The reward of men is temporal and of little meaning, but God's reward is eternal and significant.
In this light we now understand the significance of the many stories of individuals interceding for their loved ones to Jesus for healing or deliverance. Matthew 8:5-13; 9:18-31; 15:21-28; Mark 7:31-37. Please note the faith of the ones interceding. They just were not asking; they believed. They also persevered. When interceding on the behalf of others, we must not become discouraged because things don't happen on our time schedule. Work with God and He will work with you.
Abraham could have gotten very discouraged after he interceded for Lot and did not get the answer he wanted. Lot seemed to have been captivated by a family curse of greed that had him in a place of destruction rather than one of prosperity. But the Bible says Abraham got up early the next morning and went back to the place of intercession and the Lord remembered him and saved Lot. Genesis 19:27-29
Understand the authority and responsibility that the Lord has given you. Use it and walk in it to its fullest. Every great revival began with prayer. A move of God begins by people interceding on behalf of others as well as themselves. Are you willing to be an intercessor? Are you willing not to be so overwhelmed with your own problems that you will take all of the time necessary to intercede for others? This is what the believer has been called to do.
