…for he hath said…So that we may boldly say… (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Speaking God’s Word and responding to God’s Word are two different things. Many think they’re the same, but they’re not. Most have never been taught how to respond to God’s Word and many don’t know what it is to actually speak God’s Word.
A good example of speaking the Word in response to a situation was the encounter between the Lord Jesus and Satan as recorded in Matthew 4:1-4 (read entire reference). The Master responded to Satan, quoting the scripture that says, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). He spoke the Word; He said exactly what God already said through Moses, the Prophet.
So, when do you speak the Word? It’s mainly when Satan throws thoughts at you, and circumstances raise their voices against you. You say, “It is written,” and then go ahead to say what is written; don’t try to put it in your own words. Say it exactly as it is in Scripture. We learnt that from Jesus. He didn’t try to paraphrase or put it in His own words; He said, “It is written,” and then quoted what was written. He wasn’t trying to give the interpretation; He gave the Word. It’s one of the reasons you must have the Word of God in you richly.
Then, how do you respond to the Word? Our theme verse shows us exactly how: it’s by the vocalization of your faith on the basis of what God has already said. Your confession, resulting from your faith in a specific word or statement from God is your response to that Word. That’s what changes your life and circumstances.
For example, the Word says in 1 John 4:4, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Your response should be, “Yes, I am of God and I’ve overcome Satan and the adversities of life, because greater is He that’s in me, than he that’s in the world.” Glory to God! That’s how you activate the power of the Word to produce what it talks about in your life.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for showing me the way to a life of continuous victory. I live above discouragement and the crippling principles of the world. As I speak the Word and respond to the Word in faith, I maintain my victory and dominion in Christ, today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Romans 10:9-10, Hebrews 13:5-6
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: James 3:14-4:1-12,
Ezekiel 22-23
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 13:12-20,
1 Chronicles 20
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Ph.D, D.D) President of the Believers Loveworld Nation