I Have The Authority

I Have The Authority. By Tori VanderPloeg

This past weekend we held our Stand Women's conference and let me tell ya-it was amazing! I had the honor of being asked to share on mental healing and the battles of our mind. A subject very close to my heart. But the road to getting to the message I shared on Saturday, wasn't easy.

Over the summer, my mom came over for lunch and was talking about the planning of the conference. Excited about all she felt the Lord stirring, she asked if I would be willing to talk on the battles of our mind. Honestly, I had no clue how to answer or if I should even do it. Mostly because, it was a battle I have been actively fighting. I felt like the least qualified person to talk on it. I've been a mess internally and I am no professional on the subject so I asked for some time to pray on it.

A few days later I still felt unsure on whether or not I should commit and I began unloading on my husband about all the reasons I was completely unqualified to share on the subject (because well I, on my own, am 100% unqualified) Then I told him, "I don't have any authority to speak on this." The second I said those words I was struck. What authority do I, as a single imperfect human, have to speak on any subject. It is not me who ever carries that kind of authority. It is Christ LIVING in me that hold that authority.

Have you ever held yourself back from doing something because you felt like you have no authority over it? Are you trusting more in your own capabilities and power to do something more than God's capability to do it?

On our own we will always fail. We won't ever be quite ready to share that testimony or take that bold step. We may even feel defeated and like we have no authority. But don't forget, the Spirit that lives in you- it conquered the grave. The spirit that lives in you, has the victory. There is power in you that is beyond what you can even imagine. And through His authority we can speak life into others. We can show hope and joy to those we encounter everyday.

"19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you."

After a week of turmoiling over if I should speak or not I said yes. And as I began preparing to share, God did a healing work in my heart and mind that felt miraculous. Saying yes to what God put before me and being obedient to that call blessed me with more than I had anticipated. I had been given the authority to speak through Christ Jesus. And accepting that authority in my heart allowed the spirit to flow in such a healing and powerful way.

I love the lyrics to the song Champion by Bethel Music:

When I lift my voice and shout
Every wall comes crashing down
I have the authority
Jesus has given me
When I open up my mouth
Miracles start breaking out
I have the authority
Jesus has given me

There is power living in you. Speak Up.