
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:19
My mother was around 5’4, but she certainly had a lot of authority. She did not have a lot of money or a polished resume; however, when she spoke her children listened. Because of my mother’s effectual prayer life and relationship with God through Jesus Christ, she had authority over demonic spirits.
My mother was fearless in her spiritual warfare against the enemy. She really believed that she had the authority through Jesus Christ to overcome all the power of the enemy. People used to come to her to exorcise demonic spirits on their loved ones. I watched her do many exorcisms.
As I got older, I often wondered how a woman with an elementary school education could have so much spiritual authority. The answer is very simple. My mother believed that her authority came from her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith shaped the way she lived and gave her the confidence to wage war against demonic forces.
What does it mean for a believer to live with spiritual authority? This is not the type of authority to tell other people what to do. It is not abusive or tyrannical in nature. Our spiritual authority is mighty to demolish strongholds. It is that quiet and unassuming confidence with which believers go about living their daily lives while working to transform the world for Christ.
Our authority is vested in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus, we can take authority over our health, our finances, our relationships, and our ministry. 2 Timothy 1:7, tells us “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and discipline.” When we wake up in the morning, we have to exercise our God-given authority in the name of Jesus over our mind, body, spirit, and soul before we start our daily routine.
One of the reasons so many people suffer from depression and discouragement is because they are not living with spiritual authority. Living with authority does not mean a trouble-free life. But, it gives us the confidence to speak things that are not as though they were. Some people have to start speaking financial prosperity though they are struggling with unemployment. We have to start speaking peace during this season of social unrest.
Because the Holy Spirit indwells believers, we can live with spiritual authority. We do not have to have special gifts or talents. Our spiritual authority does not come from our status or position. It is part of our identity as disciples of Jesus Christ. It is with that authority we are called to do God’s kingdom business on earth.
When believers speak, spirits pay attention. Indeed, there is power in our words. Proverbs 18:21, says that “The tongue has the power of life and death.” We have the authority to release blessings from heaven and bind demonic forces on earth (Matthew 18:18).
Let us, therefore, exercise our authority so we can live in the abundance of the Lord. The life that God has given us is to be lived with joy and authority. We already have the victory in Christ Jesus. The world needs to see and feel our spiritual authority by the way we care for the poor and needy. When we march for peace and promote unity, we are living with authority. Our authority is giving to us so we can proclaim the gospel until every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Prayer- Blessed Lord, thank you for the authority given to us through Christ Jesus. Please help us to exercise that authority over every area of our lives, in Jesus’ name.
Commentaires