Matthew 10:1-8

Consider the implications of this passage for a moment and read it again. Jesus gave His apostles the authority to cast out demons and heal every kind of sickness. His instructions were simple and straightforward: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received.”

It was not that they were able to do these things in their own power; rather, they had been given the authority to do them in His name.

These miracles were signs that the Kingdom of Heaven was near. Why? Because there is no sickness, death, or demon possession in the Kingdom of Heaven.

I will be honest with you—I wish I had the faith of the centurion who said to Jesus, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Too often I find myself more like the father of the demon-possessed boy who said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”

We are all in different places in our faith walk, but I aspire to have the kind of faith that moves mountains, heals the sick, and raises the dead—faith that brings the realities of heaven to earth.

Why did Jesus say we must have faith like a child? Because children simply believe. Why is it so hard for us to just believe?

Whether we exercise it or not, we have been given authority in Jesus’ name. It is time that we begin to operate in that authority and make a true difference in this world. After all, people may argue with words, but it is difficult to argue with miracles.