Sunrise Autumn 2019

The Potency of Faith-Filled Words

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ords have power more than we realize, yet we often speak them as though they are harmless and ordinary.

The words of Eliphaz easily comes to mind, after the sorrowful and pitiable lamentations of his friend Job concerning the afflictions that have befallen him. He says, “When someone stumbled, weak and tired, your words encouraged him to stand” (Job 4:4). Simply, Eliphaz was reminding Job, his friend, that his words have stood men on their feet. Therefore, he should not undo the potency of his words due to what he is going through at the time.

We must make it a habit to speak not just words but the Word of God at every instance. Joshua 1:8 says “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth…” We must consciously meditate on the Word of God and speak it into every situation we encounter and believe God for the expected favourable results.

In this discourse, let’s look at some few aspects of the potency of faith-filled words: i. Pay attention to your words: It is not just the words of others that matter but what you speak yourself. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) says “The tongue has the power of life and death”. Your words have power, either for life or death. They can be used to build others up or tear them down. A fire that is not dealt with will double in size every minute. Therefore, we must frugally, choose our words in every circumstance of life.

Job 4:4 (NLT) says “Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees.” Always speak faith-filled words. 1 Peter 1:23 admonishes that the word of God lives and abides forever. What you say comes from the abundance of the heart. Luke 6:45 says “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out 44 | Sunrise Autumn 2019

is power “There in words and

greater power in words filled with faith.

Words can knock you down, put you down or put you on your feet

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The Message Translation narrates Job 4:1-6 this way. “Then Eliphaz from Teman spoke up: “Would you mind if I said something to you? Under the circumstances it’s hard to keep quiet. You yourself have done this plenty of times, spoken words that clarify, encouraged those who were about to quit. Your words have put stumbling people on their feet, put fresh hope in people about to collapse. But now you’re the one in trouble— you’re hurting! You’ve been hit hard and you’re reeling from the blow. But shouldn’t your devout life give you confidence now?

Shouldn’t your exemplary life give you hope?”