Snakes are on the top of my list of disliked creatures. Whether or not they are poisonous or non-poisonous, seeing one will give me the “heebie-jeebies.”

Snakes were plentiful in my flower garden in Colorado, but after I moved to Florida I had to be even more careful to avoid them. My house borders a wildlife water preserve. I spend many hours observing water fowl, river otters, and even small alligators that come to search for food. Recently as I sat on my patio, the sound of the birds and the trickling waterfall of my spa contributed to a sense of peace. But later, as I stood looking out of the sliding glass door, I saw a slithery movement on the ground outside the screened lanai. Moving closer I saw an ugly black snake about three feet long. It wasn’t poisonous but I didn’t want it lurking around my property and making me nervous.

From the Bible I had learned about the authority that our LORD JESUS gave to His disciples as recorded in Luke 10:19.

When JESUS sent out the seventy disciples two-by-two, with the authority of His name, they returned from their assignment with awe and wonder. (You can read the story starting with chapter ten verse seventeen.) They said, “Lord, even the devils are subject to us in your name.” JESUS responded with, “Don’t rejoice in the fact that the spirits are subject unto you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

They needed to understand that all power had been given to Him in heaven and earth and He now gave the disciples that same authority when using His name. The name above all names as the apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians in chapter two verses eight through eleven. “That at the name of JESUS every knee shall bow in heaven, earth, and beneath the earth and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD to the glory of GOD the FATHER.”

Taking the LORD at His word I spoke to the serpent as it raised its head. It seemed to be sensing me. I said, “This is GOD’s property and you are not welcome here. In the name of JESUS, I command you to leave right now and don’t return.” Watching what would happen next, I was in awe as the snake turned its head and reversed its course. I don’t know where it went but it has never returned.

If we understand the power of GOD because of the authority He gives us in the name of His Son JESUS, then we will become bold for Him. Awesome exploits will happen because we have learned to trust HIM and use the power of HIS name.