The Word Works

God speaks to man in various ways though under the new covenant the primary means of communication is through His Spirit in us. He could speak to you directly, through someone else, through situations, circumstances etc. Suffice to say that God is still very much in the business of speaking to man but it is unfortunate that sometimes, man may not hear God when He speaks (Job 33:14). When God speaks to man, that is a 'word from God', which is slightly different from the 'word of God'. It is still the same word and possesses the same validity even though different in package and context. We all need to get to the place of receiving a specific word from God. Sometimes, you really need to know what God is saying to you specifically about that situation or circumstance not necessarily, what God said to Isaiah, Jeremiah or even Jonah which you can easily see in the Scriptures. Are they the only ones who have the ability to receive from God? The Word is Life and Light The life in Jesus was and still is the light of men (John 1:4) but for that life in Him to be a light to men, it had to be released through words (John 6:63). The light is not only to make men able to see but also for them to be able to lead others in the right path. The blind simply cannot lead the blind! Life was in Jesus and the only way to get that life out to men, who would be beneficiaries, was to speak words! When men heard and responded to the words He spoke, they received life abundantly (John 10:10). The word is also a light as it provides illumination, focus and direction causing us to know what to do at all times and in all situations (Ps 119:105). In essence, when God speaks, His aim is to give life and light to every situation, which could represent direction, assurance, comfort, guidance, instruction etc. Assurance The first assurance from God that the word works is in Is 40:8. The Scriptures make it clear that natural elements have a time window they cannot live beyond but that the word of the Lord abides forever, as it lasts for all time. If the word of the Lord were represented in equation form, then it would not be time-dependent, as time would cease to be a factor. In other words, when you have a word from God, time does not affect the result because it stands still. The word works and it is dependable because it lasts throughout time. In Is 55:10-11, we see a distinct expression of the nature of the word that God speaks, it is like rain that does not fail to affect the earth, its destination, after leaving heaven, its source. A word from God is like a guided missile that does not miss its target for any reason whatsoever. A word from God is all that you need whether it is about your business, relationships, marriage, finances, health, academics etc. If He has said it then

He will do it! God is not a man and so he neither tells lies nor changes His mind (Numbers 23:19). That is the third assurance you need to know that the word works and does not fail. When God speaks to you concerning any matter at all, it is a done deal and you can be sure that what He has said will happen in due time. You need to beware of the enemy though as he is a thief and ruthless criminal (John 10:10). When your situation does not align with the word you have received from God, perhaps it is the enemy at work. You need to protect what God has given you and fight off the enemy when he calls (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Pattern When God speaks, you need to receive the word first as that is the first step that you must take for the word to work for you. If God were to appear to you in person, I am sure you would not find it difficult to believe Him. What then happens when He employs other means? In this case, the carrier or messenger is not as important as the message or the sender. Sometimes people fail to receive a word from God because they do not like the messenger (Micaiah and Ahab in 1 Kings 22). You must receive the word first as that is the crucial step that comes before you believe (Acts 17:11-12). Even Jesus who was the word personified had to be received before he was believed (John 1:12). For those who did not receive Him because they thought they knew His background it was difficult, nay impossible for them to believe (Matt 13:54-58). Remember, God speaks in various ways so the pattern to employ is that you receive the word first, irrespective of who the messenger is. Application When you receive a word from God, it is important you write it down so you will always remember exactly what He said and what situation He addressed. You need to remind God of what He has said to you, that is called stating your case (Is 43:25-26 NIV). It is not that He has forgotten but that it is for your own good, seeing it is a way to sustain your faith (Rom 10:17). You must always speak your beliefs as your words must align with the word from God (2 Cor. 4:13). If you do not speak what you believe, someone else will do that speaking on your behalf! All of these are essentially for your own benefit as they are a means of stirring up your faith in God and His word (Rom 10:17).

Authors note: This message was first preached at the Parish Youth Chapel, Church of the Pentecost (Anglican Communion), 21 Road, Festac Town, Lagos on Sunday, 17th June 2011 in my capacity as Coordinator.