Responding To The Word
…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