The Bible says: ‘Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and…they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known…and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified’ (v.11-17 NKJV). This story should act as a warning to those who think, ‘If they can do something, I can do it!’ It's not always true. Unless God calls and equips us to do it, the chances are that we'll get it wrong and get ourselves in a mess. God doesn’t empower us to do our own thing; He empowers us to do His thing. The truth is, we can only use the name of Jesus effectively: a) When we acknowledge Him as our Saviour and Lord. b) When we have an intimate relationship with Him. c) When we stand on His Word and practise its principles in our everyday lives. When we do that, every time we use the name of Jesus, we're protected and supported by the authority that’s in His name.

What Now?

Have an honest think about whether you’re trying to do something that God hasn’t called you to do. Ask Him to help you move into alignment with His will.