Here's a question you don't get asked every day: How much spiritual authority are you able to wield?

Over the last twenty years the Lord has slowly grown me up in this. I used to struggle with stuff that would send me into a tailspin. And gradually I began to see the spiritual roots of many of my problems. If I could help you tackle the issues that complicate your life, I'd begin by helping you to understand where you're under attack and how to fight back.

I might begin by asking you some questions:

• Do you have enough spiritual authority to protect yourself from thoughts of insecurity? Do you you hear thoughts like, "I'll never amount to much"?
• Do you have enough spiritual authority to able to protect your family from the enemy? For example, if your child is hanging around the wrong friends and
  your spouse isn't much help, do you know how to battle in prayer for
  your child's heart?
• Do you have what you need to advance the kingdom by bringing hope to widows and orphans?

The sad fact is, most of us who follow Jesus have been given a lot more spiritual authority than we use.  The writer of Hebrews puts it this way, "You need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!" (Hebrews 5:12)

I don't know why it's taken me so long to see this, but God wants to give us all a lot more spiritual authority than we've got. He wants you and me to become an offensive weapon in his arsenal, not some sword mounted on the wall for show.

God made us to be gloriously free. We can help set people free and bring the kingdom if we'll start diving into this issue of spiritual authority. Whatever success you've had, whatever authority you may wield, God wants to give you more.

A good discipler will help you grow in this if you ask him or her. I suggest asking God about this to see what he says about the issue.