Isaiah 27:1, "In that day the Lord with His severe sword, great and strong, Will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan that twisted serpent; And He will slay the reptile that is in the sea".
This study speaks to emerging Apostolic and Prophetic voices, as well as leaders and churches already functioning in the offices of the Apostle and the Prophet.
I am writing this article out of deep concern regarding what has been taking place within the church. This is not a new issue. It has been in operation since the beginning of time, and it continues to affect the Body of Christ, today. Specifically, it concerns the stifling of Apostolic and Prophetic voices and how the spirit of Leviathan seeks to permanently silence those who are either emerging in these callings or already established in these offices. It also explains why churches that flow in this mantle experience consistent and intense spiritual attacks.
What is the Prophetic and the Apostolic?
To understand why the spirit of Leviathan seeks to silence the Apostolic and Prophetic, we must first understand what these offices are and their role in the Kingdom of God.
I currently serve in a dynamic Apostolic and Prophetic church under the leadership of Reverend Stephen and Prophetess Karen Alexis, having joined the ministry in 2016. Based on my experiences, including attendance at other churches prior to this, I have observed that the Prophetic and Apostolic carry a unique grace and mantle. This grace not only draws the Kingdom of God near, but it also attracts opposition from spiritual forces such as the spirits of Leviathan and Jezebel.
Why is this so? The answer lies in the function and authority of these offices.
The Apostolic can be described as foundational. Apostles are responsible for establishing order, planting churches, and appointing leaders. Their focus is to ensure that sound doctrine is taught, that proper structure and administration are maintained, and that the Kingdom of God is expanded. The Apostolic emphasizes strong discipleship through missions and evangelism and operates with authority. However, without the Prophetic, the Apostolic can become controlling, overly traditional, and spiritually dry.
The Prophetic, on the other hand, functions as the revealer of truth. It serves as the mouthpiece of God, receiving and delivering divine revelation. The Prophetic provides guidance, insight, and direction to the church that does not come from human understanding, but from God. It focuses on discerning what God is saying in the present and exposing the plans and strategies of the enemy.
It is important to understand that the Apostolic and the Prophetic work together. One rarely operates effectively without the other. Together, they form what may be described as a dynamic partnership. Without the Prophetic, the Apostolic can become rigid and controlling. Without the Apostolic, the Prophetic can become disorderly, emotionally driven, or unstable. However, when they function together, they equip the saints, establish spiritual authority, and maintain alignment with the will of God.
I have personally witnessed what it is like for a church to operate without both the Apostolic and the Prophetic. Sadly, many believe that these offices no longer exist and ended with the early church. However, the absence of these functions can result in serious consequences. I have seen lives damaged, individuals fall away, and even tragic loss of life occur because there was no Prophetic discernment or Apostolic authority to confront and dismantle spiritual forces operating behind the scenes.
This is why the Apostolic and the Prophetic remain essential in the church today. It is also why the spirit of Leviathan seeks to aggressively attack any church that operates in this dimension.
What is the Spirit of Leviathan
So what is the spirit of Leviathan, and why does it seek to attack the Apostolic and Prophetic voices? Leviathan is mentioned in the books of Job, Psalms, and Isaiah. However, Job chapter 41 provides a more detailed description of this creature. Apostle Jonathan Khan of Compassion Christian Community Church in Trinidad and Tobago has masterfully written a powerful book titled Conquering Leviathan: The Apostolic Edge, which explains the characteristics of Leviathan, how it affects individuals and churches today, and how this spirit can be overcome. The book can be accessed on Amazon using the following link:
With this understanding, we can now examine the nature and assignment of this spirit.
My fellow saints, the spirit of Leviathan is a territorial demonic force assigned to attack Apostolic and Prophetic ministries and voices. These offices are responsible for establishing God’s Kingdom, advancing new works, and releasing divine revelation. Because of this, Leviathan specifically targets both leaders and emerging Apostles and Prophets in an effort to prevent them from fulfilling their divine assignments and to create division within the church.
Indicators of Leviathan’s Attacks on Individuals
Having established the purpose of this spirit, it is important to recognize how it operates against individuals called to the Apostolic and Prophetic. This is not merely theoretical teaching, but a reality that I have personally encountered. I have experienced these attacks in my own life, and I have also witnessed them in the life of my brother Sherwayne in the United States, who functions in the office of an Apostle and flows in the Prophetic. These patterns are consistent and intentional, revealing the targeted nature of this spirit against those called to these offices.
The following are indicators of the attacks of Leviathan against those who are emerging in these callings:
1. Attacks from the Womb or Early Childhood - In some cases, those with significant divine callings on their life may experience opposition even before birth or in their earliest years. Leviathan often seeks to destroy purpose at its beginning, before it has the opportunity to mature.
This pattern is evident in the life of Moses, when Pharaoh ordered the destruction of the Hebrew male children in Exodus 1:22. It is also reflected in the life of the prophet Samuel, whose birth came after his mother Hannah endured years of barrenness, grief, and provocation, leading her into deep intercession before the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:10. This same pattern is also seen in the life of Jesus in Matthew 2:13, when Herod sought to destroy Him as a young child.
2. Character Assassination, Gossip, and False Accusation - One of the signs of Leviathan’s influence is the twisting of words, motives, and intentions. Leviathan is often associated with pride, distortion, and confusion. Those emerging in Apostolic or Prophetic callings may find themselves falsely accused, misunderstood, or misrepresented.
3. Isolation, Rejection, or Feeling Set Apart - Many who are emerging in the Apostolic and Prophetic callings may experience isolation from an early age, often having few close friends or meaningful relationships. They may feel misunderstood, different, or as though they do not truly fit in. While they may feel that something is wrong with them, God uses isolation as a place of preservation, shaping, and preparation for the purpose He has placed upon their lives.
4. Demonic Oppression, Nightmares, and Spiritual Disturbance at a Young Age - Some individuals experience unusual spiritual attacks early in life, including tormenting inter-dimensional dreams, fear, sleep paralysis, oppression, or a strong sense of spiritual warfare.
I remember that as a child, I would often experience terrifying, inter-dimensional nightmares. Almost every night, saw demonic beings trying to take me away through a portal. There was also another time when I was fully awake, and I saw what appeared to be trees and bushes on fire. Looking back, I truly believe that if it had not been for my praying mother, I do not know what the outcome of my life would have been.
I urge parents with young children to be watchful and prayerful over their children’s lives. The enemy seeks to destroy, and it is important that children are covered spiritually through prayer, discernment, and godly protection. You do not know what divine calling, purpose, or assignment God has placed upon your child’s life, so cover them well and remain spiritually alert.
5. Low Self-Esteem, Heaviness, or Depression - Those experiencing spiritual attacks from Leviathan may struggle with feelings of worthlessness, heaviness, discouragement, or emotional oppression. The enemy often attacks identity because calling is connected to identity. If he can convince a person that they are insignificant, rejected, or unusable, he may delay their willingness to obey God.
6. Physical Attacks Through Illness, Accidents, or Bodily Weakness - Some may experience repeated physical attacks, unusual sickness, exhaustion, or accidents that appear designed to hinder their progress.
7. Confusion, Mental Fog, Emotional Chaos, and Overthinking - Leviathan often operates through twisting, confusion, and disorder. Those being attacked may experience sudden mental fog, forgetfulness, double-mindedness, emotional chaos, or obsessive overthinking. These attacks can make it difficult to pray, focus, make decisions, or hear God clearly.
8. Attacks Against the Prayer Life - One of the greatest signs of spiritual resistance is when a person suddenly loses the desire, discipline, or strength to pray. Leviathan understands that prayer is the place of intimacy, authority, revelation, and spiritual power. If he can weaken the prayer life, he can weaken discernment and delay obedience.
9. Encountering Jealousy, Control, or Hostility from Others - Those with prophetic callings may encounter people who operate in jealousy, manipulation, intimidation, control, or hostility without clear reason. While this is often associated with the spirit of Jezebel, Leviathan also seeks to silence, intimidate, or destroy Apostolic and Prophetic voices through these tactics.
10. Persecution in School, Workplaces, or Social Environments - Emerging Apostles and Prophets may experience rejection, bullying, unfair treatment, workplace opposition, or being disliked without cause. Yet, at the same time, God may give them unusual favor, excellence, and influence before others.
Indicators of the Spirit of Leviathan Attacking Apostolic and Prophetic Churches
In addition to targeting individuals, Leviathan also operates within church environments. The following indicators reveal its presence within Apostolic and Prophetic churches:
1. Division among Members and Church Splits - Leviathan often works by twisting communication, stirring offence, and creating unnecessary conflict among members. In Apostolic and Prophetic churches, where the Church’s vision, order, and spiritual alignment are important, division can weaken the strength of the ministry and cause people to separate from one another instead of moving forward in unity.
2. Gossip and Slander - Gossip and slander are destructive tools that can poison the atmosphere of a church. Words spoken carelessly can damage trust, destroy relationships, and create suspicion among believers. Galatians 5:14-15 reminds us to love our neighbor as ourselves and warns that if we bite and devour one another, we may be consumed by one another. Leviathan uses words to wound, divide, and weaken the body of Christ.
3. Jealousy, envy, pride, and selfish ambition - Where Apostolic and Prophetic gifts are present, Leviathan may stir jealousy and competition instead of humility and honor. Individuals may begin comparing callings, positions, influence, or recognition. Pride and selfish ambition can cause people to seek visibility rather than servanthood, creating disorder and rivalry within the ministry.
4. The Silencing of Emerging Apostles and Prophets - Leviathan can attack emerging Apostolic and Prophetic voices by causing them to be overlooked, restricted, misunderstood, or placed in inactive positions. Instead of being nurtured, trained, and released according to God’s timing, they may be suppressed or discouraged. This can delay the development of gifts and hinder the work God desires to accomplish through them.
5. A strong Presence of Offence - Offence is one of Leviathan’s primary strategies within the church. It causes believers to hold on to unforgiveness, misinterpret the actions of others, and view situations through a distorted lens. Offence can make reconciliation difficult because it convinces people that their pain is justified while closing their hearts to truth, humility, and healing.
6. Rejection and Withdrawal - Leviathan may cause individuals to feel rejected, unloved, unwanted, or out of place. Even when these feelings are based on misunderstanding, they can become powerful enough to cause people to withdraw from fellowship or leave the church entirely. Leviathan uses rejection to isolate believers and separate them from the support, covering, and community they need.
7. Suspicion and Misunderstanding - Suspicion can cause believers to misjudge one another’s motives. A person may withdraw from interaction believing they are operating in discernment when in reality, they may be responding to fear, offence, or false assumptions. Leviathan works through misunderstanding by causing people to believe lies that justify distance, coldness, or broken fellowship.
8. Attacks on the Marriages and Family Life of Apostolic and Prophetic Leaders - Apostolic and Prophetic leaders often carry heavy spiritual responsibilities, and Leviathan may target their marriages and families to weaken their stability, peace, and focus. Strife, pressure, miscommunication, and emotional exhaustion can become entry points. When the family life of leaders is under attack, it can affect their strength, clarity, and effectiveness in ministry.
9. Attacks on Intercessory Prayer Teams - Intercessory prayer teams are vital lifeline in Apostolic and Prophetic churches because they help cover the ministry, leaders, and assignments in prayer. Leviathan may attack these teams through illness, weariness, division, offence, pride, competition, or discouragement. When intercessors are distracted, divided, or weakened, the prayer covering of the ministry can be affected, making the church more vulnerable to spiritual attacks.
Winning the Battle Against Leviathan
Understanding the operation of Leviathan leads us to an important question. How can this spirit be overcome, and how can the flow of the Apostolic and the Prophetic be preserved? In truth, these attacks can feel continuous. It may seem as though there is no rest, as one battle ends and another arises. This pattern is consistent with the experiences of the Old Testament prophets and New Testament Apostles, many of whom faced severe persecution and even death.
The spirit of Leviathan is not contented in seeking to silence Apostolic and Prophetic voices; it seeks to destroy completely. Therefore, the battle against it must be approached with seriousness and spiritual discipline.
This battle is not for the weak. It requires a life of holiness, consecration, humility, prayer, fasting, repentance and forgiveness. It demands a consistent and genuine relationship with the Lord and the Father. There can be no alternatives or compromise in this matter.
At the same time, it is important to understand that this is not a battle you are called to fight alone. Only the power of God can defeat this spirit. As declared in Isaiah 27:1, "In that day the Lord with His severe sword, great and strong, Will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan that twisted serpent; And He will slay the reptile that is in the sea". Zechariah 4:6 also declares, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
In addition, 2 Corinthians 10:4 declares that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”
If you are called to the Apostolic or Prophetic, whether you are currently functioning in that role or not, or if you are already established in these offices, you must remember that you are not alone in this battle. As spoken by the prophet Elisha in 2 Kings 6:16, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Be reminded also of the words of Moses in Exodus 14:13-14, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Be assured of this truth. God is fighting for you. The host of heaven stands with you. And the spirit of Leviathan will be defeated. Stand firm, and be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we come before You with humility and reverence, acknowledging that You alone are our source, our strength, and our help.
Lord, Your Word declares that our help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth. Today, we lift our eyes beyond every opposition, every attack, and every voice of discouragement, and we fix them firmly on You. For You are our defender, our sustainer, and our deliverer.
Father, I pray for every individual called to the Apostolic and the Prophetic. Strengthen them in their inner man, establish them in truth, and anchor them in Your presence. Where there has been weariness, confusion, and discouragement, release fresh strength, clarity, and divine courage.
Lord Jesus, remind Your servants that they are not alone. You have gone before them, You stand beside them, and You dwell within them. Let them walk in the authority that You have given in boldness and in faith.
Father, we come against every assignment of the enemy that seeks to silence, hinder, or destroy. By the power of Your Spirit, we declare that every strategy of Leviathan is broken, every voice of deception is silenced, and every stronghold is pulled down in the mighty name of Jesus.
Teach us to walk in humility, to remain in repentance, and to stay aligned with Your will. Let our lives be consecrated vessels, yielded fully to You. Let Your Spirit lead us, guide us, and empower us daily.
Lord, we declare that we will not retreat, we will not be silenced, and we will not be overcome. For greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.
We place our confidence not in ourselves, but in You. For our help is from the Lord Jesus Christ, and in You we have victory.
We give You all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise.
In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.
Author: Kimberly A.S. Williams