Acts 8 tells us this story of seeking power.

Simon the Magician Believes

9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

Belief must be a reflection of the intentions of the heart. Simon was lucky in this respect as his mouth revealed his heart. Others claim the power but keep the intentions of their hearts hidden.

Matthew 7:22-23 English Standard Version

22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

God wields the power in unauthorized works.

1 Kings 18:36

And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word.

The power of Elijah is summed up in this verse. Elijah knew God, heard God, knew his place as servant and did what God told him to do. Elijah was nothing more than a voice proclaiming what God was going to do. Elijah did not perform any miracles, he only obeyed God.

1 Kings 18:24

And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.”

God told Elijah to set the stage for this demonstration of faith. Elijah spoke and God answered. Elijah only spoke what God told him to say. That does not mean that Elijad held the power to make fire rain down from the sky.

1 Kings 18:38

Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

Here is how we can know that Elijah did not possess the power.

1 Kings 19:2-3 English Standard Version

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

Anyone who held the power of God within his control would not have feared for his own life and run from a threat.

The power of Elijah was his faith in God to hear, believe and obey.

It is no different for us today than it was for Elijah or John the Baptist or any of the apostles or saints before us. By faith, hear, believe and obey.

There are others who only seek power.