Speak Lifeনমুনা

Is it possible to negate our prayers with words of unbelief? Absolutely! Perhaps, answers to our prayers are delayed because we speak words that negate our prayers. Thankfully, God's mercy and grace are greater than our unbelief. We can ask God to forgive us for speaking words of doubt and ask for grace or empowerment to speak life even when difficult. We might be praying parents or people,  but if we speak negative words over our lives or our children's, we render our prayers ineffective.

Consider this: we are priests and kings unto the Lord (1 Peter 2:9; Revelations 1:6). The words of kings are powerful (Ecclesiastes 8:4), and priests are separated to serve God. This means our words are powerful. Our words set things in motion. I have tasted and seen the power of speaking only words that align with God’s Word in difficult times. I urge you to be intentional with your words. 

When the facts of life negate the truth, believe God's Word and let your words align with God’s truth about every situation. Let the weak say I am strong (Joel 3:10). Your faith and identity in Christ will be challenged throughout your time here on earth. You must believe and speak God's Word to enforce your victory and authority. Your heart and words must be in agreement with God’s Word.

Although we found ourselves in a season we had to cover our mouth due to a virus, many of us did not learn to reflect on the power of words. We found ourselves writing mean and ungracious words on the internet. It seems we do not realize that our written words are just as powerful as our spoken words.

Written words speak as well. They communicate the content of our hearts. God did not open Zacharias' mouth until his written words aligned with God's Word. Luke 1:63-64 (NIV) says, “Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God” Did you know that John means Gracious or God is gracious? And God wants us to communicate graciously (Colossians 4:6). Once Zacharias communicated grace instead of unbelief, God opened his mouth.

When communicating grace becomes a way of life, we become instruments of praise to God.

Before you send a text message, reveal what's on your mind on social media, or reply to a mean comment, ask yourself, "are these gracious words?"