As children, living under the direction and authority of the adults in our lives was normal. When we grew up, however, we took the reins of authority for ourselves, as expected. Authority on the spiritual level operates much the same way, only the stakes are higher. Most people struggle with issues that have the ability to defeat and destroy them; by comparison, believers who know the authority they’ve been given walk in victory.

The world puts up with sickness, lack, insufficiency, shame, strife, and everything else that Jesus defeated on the cross. Those who don’t know God will timidly accept evil and resign themselves to it, but for Christians who believe His promises in this area, the balance of power has shifted. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV). When we’re well-versed in what God says about the authority He has given to believers, we gain a boldness that others don’t have.

This boldness isn’t because of anything we do, but because of what Jesus already did. “The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name! And He said to them, I saw Satan falling like a lightning [flash] from heaven. Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you” (Luke 10:17-19, AMPC). We’ve been given supernatural power over evil. Some people walk in fear every day about what could happen to them. However, believers can trample the spirit of fear under their feet and keep moving forward.

The enemy is bound and determined to steal our peace of mind and destroy our lives. He’s able to do this with people who aren’t anchored in Christ, but going up against a believer renders him powerless. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). We have power over the devil and his bag of tricks and lies. When we stand on our authority and refuse to be moved from it, he can’t do anything to us.

Part of being spiritually mature Christians is being aware of our God-given authority and not being afraid to use it. People who have no relationship with God can be easily fooled and led astray. This is not so with those who spend time with God. “Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits” (Daniel 11:32, NKJV).

People who have no idea that there’s a spiritual fight going on are at a disadvantage. God wants the best for all of us, but if we don’t know this, access is denied to all the good things He has for us. The authority we have is the secret weapon that gives us strength. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). Knowing the source of our authority gives us the win.