When Jesus Speaks

Last week Sister Dee wrote a powerful blog about pushing forward using the Word as our weapon. She and I have been very much in tune on our weekly blogs, but last week the word that the Lord gave us was exactly the same, right down to scripture (it actually kind of blew my mind!). Our messages were both centered on Ephesians 6:13-17, the armor and weapon of spiritual warfare. The Lord has even been instilling this message in our children – their recent scripture of the month was also from Ephesians 6; and to top the cake, Pastor preached a version of the message last week about the power of the Word. When Jesus speaks this loudly to us, something tells me we ought to take heed and listen.

Ok, so we have the message: the word as our weapon. Now it’s time to put it into action, but how? Since the Lord has been dealing with me about this, I have been asking myself this very question (among many others). Exactly how do we use the Word as our weapon? Well for starters, we have to know and carry the Word in our hearts (and the award for most insightful goes to…). Yep, it’s pretty common sense actually. We have to know the Word in order to use it in our battles. It is not coincidence that 90% of children who faithfully participate in UPC Bible Quizzing never leave the Church. The Word has been hidden in their hearts; it’s ready to be used as a weapon when the battles arrive. (We have that ministry available for our children; don’t miss out on the opportunity to arm them with the sword of the Spirit.)

After studying and mediating on these thoughts, the Lord showed me one tactic that I have definitely underestimated in my spiritual warfare—praying with scripture. A few months ago while I was in the prayer room, the Lord opened my ears to a particular voice; she happened to be praying scriptures. It wasn’t until this week that I fully understood what the Lord was trying to show me. His words spoke the stars and galaxies into existence and command the wind and waves to be still. His word brings power to our prayers. The scriptures are simply the voice of God inspirationally captured on paper. When God’s word influences our prayers, our perspective is altered and we become aligned with His will in our lives. It reminds us of His promises and our faith is strengthened.

His Word is alive (Hebrews 4:12) and victorious in every circumstance. It does not return to him void. Isaiah 55:11, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (That’s one of my favorite verses! Such power!) So use it against your enemy! Speak truth back to the lies of Satan and proclaim the promises God has given you in His Word – it will be a complete knockout; he will never see it coming. We must also remember the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). When we use His Word in our battles, we inevitably speak life into the situation. Scripture tells us where there is life, there is Jesus (John 14:6) and through Jesus, there is victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). It is impossible to lose when Jesus is involved!

Thank you, Jesus, for Your Word! You are the way, the truth and the life. You shine light into every dark situation and bring victory to the ones who fear you. Thank you for your promises that strengthen me and encourage me. All power belongs to You! In Jesus Name. Amen.