You know that feeling you get when you get a word from God? It could be something that cuts right to your heart that you read in scripture, it could be a line from a song that made you emotional because it spoke right to your situation, or it could simply be an encouraging word from a friend that you really needed.
When God gives you a truth to cling to, you have to cling. Hold on, don’t let it go by. Print it, post it, pin it, write it, share it with someone else. Our minds are subject to forgetting important things, it takes effort to remember. Hold tight to what He spoke to you. You never know when you might need it – Holly Furtick (Wife of Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church).
When God Gives You a Word, Don’t Let It Go
In the Christian walk, one of the most profound experiences is receiving a word from God. This word could come through Scripture, a prophetic message, a dream, or a quiet whisper in your heart. When God gives you a word, it is a divine communication meant to guide, encourage, correct, or comfort you. However, holding onto this word and believing in its fulfillment can be challenging, especially when circumstances seem contrary. This teaching explores the importance of holding onto God’s word and how to faithfully steward it until it comes to pass.
The Power of God’s Word
God’s word is powerful and creative. When He speaks, things happen. The Bible begins with a demonstration of this creative power: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3 KJV). This same power is at work when God gives you a personal word. It carries the potential to bring about His purposes in your life.
Bible Verse: “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.” – Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
The Example of Abraham
Abraham’s life provides a powerful example of holding onto God’s word. God promised him that he would be the father of many nations, even when he was old and childless. Despite the impossibility, Abraham believed God’s promise. His faith was counted as righteousness, and he eventually saw the fulfillment of God’s word in the birth of his son Isaac.
Bible Verse: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” – Romans 4:20-21 (KJV)
Standing Firm Amidst Doubt and Delay
Often, there is a gap between when God gives a word and its fulfillment. During this time, doubt, fear, and opposition can arise. The story of Joseph illustrates this perfectly. God gave him dreams of leadership and greatness, but he faced betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before those dreams came true. Despite these hardships, Joseph held onto God’s word, and in the end, he saw it fulfilled in a way that exceeded his expectations.
Bible Verse: “Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.” – Psalm 105:19 (KJV)
The Role of Faith
Faith is crucial in holding onto God’s word. The book of Hebrews highlights the importance of faith in receiving God’s promises. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). When God gives you a word, you may not see immediate evidence, but faith enables you to trust in His promise.
Bible Verse: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
Practical Steps to Hold Onto God’s Word
Meditate on the Word: Continually remind yourself of what God has spoken. Write it down, memorize it, and meditate on it. This helps to anchor the word in your heart and mind.
Bible Verse: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” – Joshua 1:8 (KJV)
Pray Over the Word: Prayer is a powerful way to engage with God’s word. Pray for its fulfillment, for wisdom and patience, and against any obstacles.
Bible Verse: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” – Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)
Confess the Word: Speak God’s word over your life. Confession aligns your speech with God’s promise and strengthens your faith.
Bible Verse: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” – Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
Stay Encouraged: Surround yourself with a community of faith. Their encouragement and prayers can help you stay strong when you feel weak.
Bible Verse: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)
Act in Obedience: Sometimes, the fulfillment of God’s word requires action on your part. Be obedient to any instructions God gives you.
Bible Verse: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” – James 1:22 (KJV)
The Reward of Perseverance
Holding onto God’s word is not always easy, but it is always worth it. The Bible assures us that God is faithful and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Perseverance in faith will ultimately lead to the fulfillment of His promises.
Bible Verse: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
Conclusion
When God gives you a word, it is a precious gift that holds the power to transform your life. Embrace it, meditate on it, pray over it, confess it, stay encouraged, and act in obedience. Though challenges may come and delays may occur, remember that God’s word will not return void. He is faithful to fulfill His promises. Stand firm in faith, and you will see the manifestation of God’s word in your life.