Facing Life’s ChallengesSample

Use Your Authority in the Challenges

Mark 4:39-41 - He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” 

The disciples were terrified. They asked each other, “Who is this?" First they were terrified by the storm as they thought they would drown, and now they are terrified by the authority of Jesus over the storm. This situation was before Jesus sent them out with authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. They had not witnessed the authority of Jesus.

The storm helped them discover a new facet of Jesus: his authority over nature and the spiritual forces behind this storm.  Jesus faced many storms, including the one on the cross, which led to his giving up his life. He could have rebuked that one or at least commanded 12 legions of angels to protect him but he did not. He discerned the will of his Father and allowed the storm of our sin to overcome him for our redemption. God’s people throughout the Bible faced many challenges and many succumbed to these without compromising their faith.  

Today we too need to discern the origin of the storms in our life.  Some are our own making so we reap what we sow. Some are from wicked men who are opposed to the plans of God, and some are directly from the pit of hell. Jesus has delegated to us "all authority in heaven and on earth" and we need to use it appropriately. When the enemy rises up with storms to challenge God’s purposes for our lives, we need to stand firm, face him, and use our delegated authority in the name of Jesus to overcome him. Many believers are crying to God to calm their storms while he is expecting us to use the authority he has given us. 

Will you discern the origin of the storms in your life? The Lord will help you discern those challenges that are from the pit of hell, that are trying to oppose God’s plans for your life. Rise up in your authority and command them to be quiet.

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8 NIV)