By what authority?

If you’re a parent of a young child, you might have been confronted with phrases like “you’re not the boss of me,” or “ I don’t have to listen to you.”

It’s in moments like these (and they will happen) that I believe the parent or one in authority needs to stand firm in their God-given place. This will look different depending on the individual child, the dynamics of the home and the given circumstances. Regardless, the parent should clearly be the parent and as best they can, bring a level of order and peace.

There are times and situations where we as believers need to stand firm in our God-given authority. Jesus modeled this so well for us. He didn’t use elaborate prayers but rather he took command of situations that were out of order with great authority. His words had power to bring things into Kingdom order.

He calmed the storm by rebuking the wind and raging waters and declaring peace. Mark 4:39.

He commanded an impure spirit to come out of a man. Luke 8:26

He said to a dead girl, “My child, get up.” Mark 5:41

He said to a crippled woman, “woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Luke 13:12

He said to the paralyzed man, ”get up, take your mat and go home.” Matthew 9:6

He said to the boy with the impure spirit, “you deaf and dumb spirit, I command you to come out of him and never enter again.” Mark 9:25

Jesus words released peace and healing and deliverance and freedom.

His authority was questioned by the leaders of the day, but couldn’t be ignored. He promises us the same authority if we believe. Because the spirit of God lives in us, we too can command things to come into line with everything Jesus paid for on the cross.

Jesus has given us authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons and proclaim the Kingdom of heaven is near (Matthew 10:7).

One of my favorite examples in scripture of God making it clear that our words, anointed by the Holy Spirit, carry power to bring life and restoration, is in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 37. The Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the dead bones and tell them that breath will come into them and they will come to life. These dead bones represented the people of Israel. Ezekiel restores their hope and tells them that they will live and settle in their land.

We have been given authority by the spirit of God to speak peace, to declare healing and restoration over what is broken and to rebuke the works of the enemy.

Just as a parent takes their place in their home, we are called and equipped to take our place in the Kingdom. One of the ways we do this is by speaking the Word over our circumstances in our sphere of life, over people we love. When we do this we pull things into alignment and release life.

Let’s start exercising our God given authority and command peace in our homes and health to our bodies. Let’s command the voice of the enemy to be quiet and let’s stop listening the whispers that cripple us and move forward in all God has for us.

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” - Mark‬ ‭4:39‬ ‭NIV‬‬