“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

When I read this verse this morning, two things came to mind; He gave me authority over the enemy, and second, how am I using that authority?

Adam was given all authority over all things and gave it away (Genesis 1:28). What am I doing with my authority after Jesus gave gave it back? What does “nothing shall by any means hurt you” really mean and why do we experience so much pain and suffering?

I believe that regardless of the battle I face, God has always provided me with sufficient power and authority to overcome. Perhaps you’re finding this a hard pill to swallow, but hold on just a minute, hear me out. Just because I don’t talk about my battles doesn’t mean I don’t have them. Daily I face a variety of battles. Sometimes I grow weary and just want to give up, but I don’t. If I’m weary, I call out to one person who will agree with me, encourage me, speak the Word to me. If there is no one around, I pull up the Word and begin to read, anything, everything and I encourage myself until I’m strong again.

When thoughts come to my mind that don’t line up with the Word, I quickly dismiss them and speak out loud the promises God has given me, I speak His Word just like the one written in the beginning of this post. It’s my authority the devil is after and I’m absolutely not giving that away without a fight to the death!

When I rest assured in my covenant promises, the enemy can’t take away what is hidden in my heart. He can’t take my authority unless I willingly give it away. How do I give it away? With my words. If I can’t keep my mouth from agreeing with Satan’s lies, make firm my resolve and only speak what the Word says, if I constantly speak the thoughts the enemy puts in my head then I’m giving it away!

It’s easy to speak about the pain, the sickness, the trial. I sat on the ship one morning listening to the conversation of some older couples sharing every ailment they had as if it were a badge. What kind of testimony is that? I told Walt if he ever hears me begin to do that, shoot me! Put duct tape over my mouth! Anything!

Start rejoicing before your healing manifests, and again I say rejoice! That’s your testimony. You speak the miracle of God’s grace not the symptoms of your ailments.

Oh Father, forgive me for treating the sacrifice of Your Son and everything He won back for me with such disdain. I’m so sorry. Help me not to take for granted the place of victory You’ve given me. I rest in that! Every battle belongs to You, that means You win, and since I’m hidden in You, I win too! I love you Lord. You, my Father, love, protect and provide for me everything I need for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3).

Sandy G