Purpose Study Bible 339: Know Your Source and Act with Authority

After opposition brought the temple reconstruction to a halt, years later the people appealed to the new king for permission to resume  the work. When asked by what authority they were rebuilding, they responded:

“We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple…” (Ezra 5:11).

Centuries later, Jesus and His disciples were asked the same question: “By what authority are you doing these things?” (Mark 11:28), and “By what power or what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:7). Nothing has changed. People may ask you the same question as you carry out your creative purpose, or you may be asking yourself, “How do I know God has sent me to do this?” In every case, the answer begins with identity: you are a servant of the God of heaven and earth, doing what He has given you to do.

Are you walking in this kind of confidence and authority? If not, what can you do to grow in it? When you are clear about your source, you can pray with confidence and trust God for the resources you need. You need this awareness of God’s presence if you are going to live boldly and bear fruit for His kingdom. When you know your source, you can act, pray, and speak with assurance that you are not alone, that Jesus is with you as He promised, even to the ends of the earth.