He gave the authority

2015 has begun. What lies ahead for you this year? Maybe you already have an idea of what challenges are coming your way. And maybe you don't. 

Whatever we will face, let's use this time now, to remind ourselves of who our Jesus is and what He can do, by looking at Matthew chapter 8, and all that Jesus did in one (or possibly two) days. 

And He reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed by being cured. And instantly his leprosy was cured and cleansed. (Verse 3)

Then to the centurion Jesus said, Go; it shall be done for you as your have believed. And the servant boy was restored to health at that very moment. (Verse 13)

And when Jesus went into Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying ill with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her; and she got up and began waiting on Him. (Verses 14 and 15)

When the evening came, they brought Him many who were under the power of demons, and He drove out the spirits with a word and restored to health all who were sick. (Verse 16)

And He said to them, Why are you timid and afraid, O you of little faith? Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great and wonderful calm (a perfect peaceableness). (Verse 26)

And the demons begged Him, If You drive us out, send us into the drove of hogs. And He said to them, Begone! So they came out and went into the hogs, and behold, the whole drove rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the water. (Verses 31 and 32)

In this short period of time, Jesus restored the health of many people. He drove out demons. Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea. Jesus has the authority of His Father. Jesus gives that authority to us.

But to as many did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name John 1:12 AMP 

So in 2015, let's remain alert, and face our challenges with the authority that Jesus has given us.  And throughout those challenges, let us not forget the grace, blessing, favour and gifts we have received from Him.

For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] on grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favour upon favour and gift [heaped] upon gift. John 1:16 AMP