Speak words that carry the weight of heaven. Act with the confidence of someone who knows they're backed by the King of Kings.
Have you ever caught yourself standing at the edge of something magnificent, knowing deep down that God has called you to more, yet feeling mysteriously tethered to the familiar shore of comfort? Perhaps you've watched others step boldly into their calling while you've convinced yourself that such confidence belongs to the spiritually elite—those mysterious "super-Christians" who seem to have it all figured out.
Well, that authority you admire in others has been yours all along, gathering dust in the corner of your spiritual living room like that exercise equipment we all buy with the best intentions.
Many of us have become comfortable living as spiritual tourists when God has given us the authority of spiritual ambassadors. We tiptoe through our faith until we are equipped to march confidently in the power of the Holy Spirit. As the Apostle Paul boldly declared in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind." Now, I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like a description of someone who should be sitting on the spiritual sidelines!
Consider this: if your smartphone only had 10% of its capabilities activated, you would be rightly frustrated. Yet many of us are content to live out our faith the same way—operating far below our God-given potential. It's time to "update our spiritual software," if you will, and step into the fullness of what God has already provided.
What Does It Mean to Have God-Given Authority?
Now, let's unpack what this God-given authority means. God-given authority isn't about strutting around with a holy swagger or speaking in a voice that sounds suspiciously like Morgan Freeman. No, this authority is simpler and more profound than that.
Luke 10:19 says, "Behold, I give unto you the power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Here, Christ was assuring us that He doesn’t want us to be afraid of any kind of enemy, no matter how cunning or powerful they might seem. God doesn’t want us to be afraid of any situation or circumstance, no matter how terrible it might seem. He was declaring a spiritual reality—that through Him, we have the authority over the forces that oppose God's purposes in our lives and the world.
Think of it like having diplomatic immunity in a foreign country, except this is spiritual immunity backed by the King of Kings. As true believers, you must recognize that your authority carries the full weight of heaven with it, not because of who you are, but because of who you are in Christ Jesus. As joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), we have the authority to represent His kingdom, speak His truth, and use His power in our sphere of influence.
This authority is not limited to those who have the title "Reverend" in front of their names or who can recite the Bible backward while standing on their heads. No, this authority is for every believer who has accepted Christ. As Ephesians 1:19-20 reminds us, the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us who believe. And let's be honest, if that power can handle death, it can probably handle your Monday morning meeting.
Recognizing the Power of the Holy Spirit
Here's where it gets exciting. Trying to walk in godly authority without recognizing the power of the Holy Spirit is like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops—technically possible, but why would you do that to yourself? Acts 1:8 promises, "But ye shall receive power; after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." This isn't just any power; this is the same power that hung the stars in space and told the oceans where to stop. And now it resides in you!
The Holy Spirit isn't just some supernatural force or spiritual energy drink. He's the third person of the Trinity. You need to think of him as your internal GPS for godly living, your strength when you're weak, and your confidence when fear comes knocking. He's the one who transforms your "I can't" into "God can through me." Remember, 1 John 4:4 declares, "Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." When we truly recognize the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, suddenly those mountains that looked impossible to move start looking more like speed bumps.
That's not to say life becomes a cakewalk; otherwise, every Christian would be living on a beachfront property with perfect hair day every day. But it does mean that we have access to supernatural power to face life's challenges with confidence and grace.
Overcoming Obstacles to Walking in Authority
First, there's fear—that nagging voice that whispers every time you try to step out in faith, "Who do you think you are?" It's like a spiritual wet blanket, attempting to dampen every spark of boldness God ignites in your heart. But here's the thing: God's Word is clear in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and a sound mind." So if fear didn't come from God, you have the authority to show it the door!
Then there's doubt, the close cousin of fear. Doubt is like a spiritual pop-up ad—annoying, distracting, and trying to redirect you from where God is leading. You might think, "Surely God couldn't use someone like me. I'm not qualified, holy, or gifted enough." But remember, God's not looking for your resume; He's looking for your availability. Moses was a stuttering shepherd, David was the least of his brothers, and Peter was a fisherman with a foot-shaped mouth—yet God used them all mightily.
And let's not forget guilt—the ghost of failures past that loves to haunt our present and future. But here's some good news that will have guilt packing its bags out of your life: Romans 8:1 declares, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Did you catch that? No condemnation. Not even a little bit. Your past mistakes don't disqualify you from your future authority in Christ.
How to Actively Walk in Your Authority
Now that we've identified the obstacles, let's talk about practically walking in your God-given authority. And no, this doesn't involve buying a special prayer cloth or anointed oil from a late-night TV evangelist, though if you have, no judgment here—we've all had our moments.
First and foremost, believe and declare God's Word. Your authority is found in God's promises, not your feelings or circumstances. When David faced Goliath, he didn't say, "Gee, this guy is pretty big; maybe we should form a committee to discuss our options." No! He declared, "This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand" (1 Samuel 17:46). Was he just being optimistic? No, he was speaking from a place of God-given authority.
Stand firm in prayer. Prayer isn't just a religious routine or a spiritual wish list—it's exercising your authority in the spiritual realm. Jesus said in Matthew 18:18, "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." That's some serious authority! When you pray, you're not just talking to the air; you're participating in heaven's activity on Earth.
Live with purpose. Your authority isn't just for Sunday mornings or when you're in a bind. It's for everyday life! Make decisions that align with your identity in Christ. Speak words that carry the weight of heaven. Act with the confidence of someone who knows they're backed by the King of Kings. As Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light."
As we wrap up this journey into understanding and stepping into your God-given authority, let me leave you with this thought: You are not just any ordinary person trying to make it through life. You are a child of the Most High God, equipped with His power, filled with His Spirit, and commissioned with His authority. The same God who spoke the universe into existence has chosen to work through you.
Don't let another day go by living beneath your spiritual privileges. Step out boldly, pray confidently, and walk in the authority that is already yours in Christ Jesus. Remember, this isn't about becoming something you're not; it's about stepping into who you already are in Him.
As you go about your day, keep this truth in mind: You have been given authority not because you are capable, but because He is faithful. Now, go forth and let your light shine—the world is waiting for the sons and daughters of God to rise in their true authority!
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Jacob Ammentorp Lund
