Ephesians 2:6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

Do you remember the day you got your first set of car keys? I remember actually carrying them around in my pocket and sometimes laying them on the table just so people would know I have keys. I wanted people to know that I had a car to drive and that I was the king of the road. I wanted to display the freedom and power I had as a licensed driver. Did you know that Jesus wants you to display the power and the freedom He has given to you as a believer? He wants you to be “Exhibit A” of His redemptive power to transform a life. He desires for you to be an example of how He can use any person who will surrender to Him. The way we display this power is by choosing to operate in the authority given to us as believers.

The following are three ways you can operate in the authority given to you by Jesus.

1. Realize that Jesus delegates your authority to you.
Your ability is no limitation to what Jesus wants to do through you. John 14:12 says, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. Jesus desires us to operate in His authority so that His Kingdom can continue to go forward. Jesus did not come to earth, die, and then rise again so that the Kingdom of God could flicker into oblivion. Jesus rose so that the church could continue to expand the Kingdom of God with power and authority.

2. Remember that your authority is tied to the mission of Jesus.
If you give someone a job to do, then you must also give him or her the authority in which to operate. In Luke 9:1, the Bible says, “Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases.” Jesus desires for you to operate in His authority so that you can accomplish the mission He has placed on your life.

3. Recognize that your authority is dependent on being united with Christ.
John 15:7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! We must never forget the source of our authority. The authority we operate in has nothing to do with our own ability or power but flows out of our connection with Christ. One of the most frustrating and humiliating things a person can do is try to attempt the work of God outside of connection to His power and strength.

Today’s Challenge: Realize that you need a greater power than your own to be successful in this life. God has given you authority and power through Jesus. You are seated in heavenly places with Him and can operate in His power. Engage the mountains in your life with confidence knowing that Jesus gives you authority to do what He calls you to do.