REASONS BELIEVERS DON’T WALK IN POWER AND AUTHORITY

God has given every believer power and authority through Jesus Christ. Yet many Christians live far beneath this inheritance—struggling, striving, and often feeling defeated. Why is this so?

Let’s look at five key reasons believers fail to walk in the power and authority that is rightfully theirs.

1. Sin

Unrepented, habitual sin gives the enemy a foothold in our lives. When we live in sin, we place ourselves under Satan’s influence, and he gains legal ground until we repent.

Jesus said,

📖 “The ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.” — John 14:30

Jesus walked in full authority because there was no sin in Him. Likewise, James reminds us:📖 “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” — James 5:16

Authority flows through righteousness. And righteousness begins with repentance. We must be under God’s authority before we can exercise His authority.

2. Ignorance

Many believers simply don’t know the authority they carry.

📖 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” — Hosea 4:6

We are not powerless against the enemy:

📖 “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…” — 2 Corinthians 10:3–5

Ignorance of the enemy’s schemes leaves us vulnerable. The Bible makes it clear: Satan is the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and we are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm (Ephesians 6:10–18).

3. Unbelief

Unbelief is a silent thief of spiritual authority. It can block the flow of God’s power through us.

📖 “And He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” — Matthew 13:58

Ask yourself: Do I truly believe that Jesus has defeated the enemy?If we don’t believe it, we won’t walk in the authority He’s given us — and we won’t see the results He promised when we pray for the sick or confront darkness.

4. Fear

Fear paralyzes faith and keeps us from acting in authority.

📖 “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

Some believers shrink back because they’ve faced backlash in spiritual warfare. But fear is not from God, and it is not a sign to retreat.

📖 “The wicked one does not touch whoever is born of God.” — 1 John 5:18

Here’s how to guard against backlash:

• Be led by the Spirit.

• Make sure the enemy has no legal right through sin.

• Seek prayer covering and spiritual accountability.

Then move forward in faith. Jesus said:

📖 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” — Luke 12:32

5. Prayerlessness

A prayerless life is a powerless life.

📖 “Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” — Luke 18:1

📖 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests… always keep on praying for all the saints.” — Ephesians 6:18

Prayer aligns us with God’s will, fuels our faith, and empowers us to walk in His authority. When we neglect prayer, our spiritual strength fades — and so does our authority.

Final Thoughts

God has called us to walk in victory, not defeat.If you recognize any of these five barriers — sin, ignorance, unbelief, fear, or prayerlessness — ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome them. As you align your life with God’s truth and walk in His righteousness, you will step into the power and authority that already belongs to you in Christ.