The Lord has the final word – Part 1

People have lots to say about the state of the world today. The very loud and prominent voices during this current era are those of governments and media. We can never be sure if the information is true, as it is mostly driven by sensation, feelings, and selfish agendas. It is messages of doom, gloom, oppression, negativity, loss, fear, desperation, hate, indifference, unfairness, deceit, death, and corruption. We are bombarded with information that causes anxiety, uncertainty, depression, and hopelessness.

But, God has the final say. His word remains above all other voices. God’s Word is truth and has the highest authority. Look for example at the biblical story of Sarah. She was a barren woman of 65 when God promised Abraham that she would be the mother of nations. She did not believe at first and even tried to fulfill God’s promise through Hagar. But, God had the final say. Against all human, physical, and medical odds, she gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90 because God said so.

In my own life, I was born very prematurely in the ’70s, at 28 weeks. I had to stay in an incubator for almost three months. Doctors said that I would have permanent brain damage. This fact would only be evident once I was three years old. My mother, being a strong woman of faith, chose to ignore doctors’ and specialists’ opinions. She rather chose to believe God’s Word about His healing and restoration, and trust the Holy Spirit to guide her on how to stimulate my development as best she could. Today, I have no health or intellectual issues, did very well in school, and was able to complete several tertiary post-graduate degrees successfully. This is not to brag, but to testify that God had the final say over my tiny life then, as He has continuously had through my years growing up. Had my parents listened to doctors and so-called experts, it might have been a different journey for them and myself as a small child. But, they chose to listen to God and follow His word as the highest authority. It is also how I received my name, Talita. Jesus said it to Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8 and Mark 5) when He raised her from the dead. Talitha Kumi, meaning little girl arise.

Incidentally, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the healing of Jairus’ daughter this past week. As I read it in Luke 8, I also read about the healing of the woman with the issue of blood. Jairus came to Jesus to ask him to heal his daughter, who was busy dying. While on His way there, he was interrupted by the crowd and the woman with the issue of blood. She had been sick for twelve years. She had spent all her money on doctors, and no one was able to help or heal her. It must have been really disheartening to hear one negative diagnosis and prognosis after another. Still, she believed that Jesus could heal her if she only touched the fringe of His robe. It was exactly how it transpired. What faith she had!

Jesus spoke to her, and we read the following verses about Jairus’ situation:

Luke‬ ‭8:49-50‬ ‭AMP ”While He was still speaking, someone from the synagogue official’s house came and said [to Jairus], “Your daughter is dead; do not inconvenience the Teacher any further.” But Jesus, hearing this, answered him, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe and trust [in Me and have faith in My ability to do this], and she will be made well.”

Jesus went on to raise his daughter, who was only sleeping. Jesus just asked him to trust Him and believe in His ability to heal her. Thus, not to incline his ear to the solemn news of his daughter’s passing or even the mourners who mocked Jesus outside his house. Our faith is very much determined by who and what we listen to.

Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ ”So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

In this time of tribulation, we can either listen to and accept the words from the world or the Word of God.

Your situation might seem dire. You might be sick, lonely, or unemployed. You hear people speaking negatively about the world’s economy, the lasting impact of Covid-19, the prolonged consequences on education, resources, work opportunities, relationships, and mental health. The facts exist, and situations look impossible. But, God’s Word is higher than any fact or odds stacked against us. Nothing is impossible for God. He has the final say over us, His children. Even during these times of economical and global turmoil, He remains on the throne and in control.

Do you believe it by faith? Do you believe that God can do anything despite all physical evidence? Jesus asks this to the father with the son possessed by a demon in Mark 9.

Mark‬ ‭9:22b-23‬ ‭AMP ”… But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!”

God’s Word stands as the highest authority. What He says goes and is superior over any other voice, decree, law, or statement. God is not done speaking over you and your situation. His Word is living, active, and powerful (Hebrews 4:12).

Isaiah‬ ‭55:11‬ ‭AMP ”So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

The Word says that we are loved, overcomers, victorious, redeemed, forgiven, and saved. God rescues us when we call on Him, God will supply all our needs, and He protects us. These are just a couple of promises in the Bible. Believe them above all other words.

Luke‬ ‭1:45‬ ‭TPT‬‬ ”Great favor is upon you, for you have believed every word spoken to you from the Lord.”

Several experiments have been conducted to illustrate the power of words on the growth and health of plants as well as the structure of crystals in water. Positive words had a positive effect, while negative words had a negative effect. Words are powerful. It is so important to realize the impact words we HEAR have on our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being as people, but also on our environment. In the same way, we need to SPEAK words that bring life to our situation. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. Words have power in the natural and spiritual realm.

Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭MSG ”Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”

We need to read the Word, hear it, meditate on it, believe it, and speak it. We need to get our minds and speech in line with God’s word. It builds our faith, changes our perspective and health, but can also alter our circumstances.

The Word of God is our sword and weapon of attack in our armor. Believe it, and use it. Speak it out and silence the enemy. Choose to listen to God’s truth about your situation. Choose to speak life in these dark times and get in line with God’s word. Be bold. Don’t be silent, but take a stand. His Word has the final say, over you and your situation.

I want to leave you with beautiful and powerful words in the verse image below. It is a benediction that God speaks over you. Believe it, have faith in God and His Word, and speak it over your situation today.

Stay resolute my friend.

Talita

VERSE IMAGE OF THE WEEK