The Authority You Don’t Use

Devotional Reading: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” – Luke 10:19 (KJV)

One of the most surprising truths about spiritual warfare is that most believers are not actually losing because the enemy is stronger, they’re losing because they’re not using the authority they already have. Jesus didn’t suggest that you might have authority; He declared that you do. But authority unused is as good as authority you never had. Imagine a police officer, fully uniformed and armed, watching a thief walk away with stolen goods while saying, “Oh well, what can I do?” That’s exactly how many Christians respond to the enemy’s attacks.

The devil banks on your ignorance and hesitation. He knows that if you don’t realize you can resist him, you’ll just endure whatever he throws at you. The early disciples understood this — they healed the sick, cast out demons, and confronted spiritual darkness boldly. Today, some believers spend more time running from the devil than resisting him.

Think of it like owning the password to a locked door but never entering because you assume it won’t open. The devil wants you to believe you have no say in what happens in your life. But your words, your prayers, and your faith have authority in the name of Jesus. You don’t need a special title, a church office, or a deep voice to use it. The authority is not based on your personality — it’s based on Christ’s finished work.

So, the next time you sense oppression, confusion, or repeated attacks, remember: you are not helpless. You have the right to speak God’s Word, to command the enemy to back off, and to stand your ground. Don’t leave your spiritual weapons gathering dust while the enemy throws parties in your territory. You are a soldier with full backing from heaven — act like it.

Prayer and Confession
I walk in the authority of Christ. I resist the devil, and he flees from me. No power of darkness can rule over me. Amen!

Further Reading: James 4:7, Mark 16:17–18, Ephesians 1:19–23