The power of our tongue

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).
    Over the years, I have learned to take these words seriously and am still learning to watch what I say. When we are in challenging situations it can be so difficult to speak those words that can bring life and help us to overcome. 
    I was listening to a testimony from Virginia who was diagnosed with sinus issues that became so painful that it hurt her to even blink. She refused the medication the doctor prescribed and opted instead to use the over-the-counter drug, Ibuprofen. She also prayed and trusted God for her healing and God encouraged her that this too will pass. One night, the pain and pressure became so bad that she began to walk the floor declaring God’s Word for her healing. Some time later, she listened to a christian program and during the time of prayer, she received her healing. She acknowledges that her condition may not seem as serious as others but it was serious for her. Her experience taught her to trust God instead of choosing to fall apart. She was encouraged that God loves her and He is faithful.
    As I listened to her story, one of the things that caught my attention was the fact that when things became really bad she began to pace the floor declaring God’s Word over herself and her situation. She could have chosen to think and to speak her negative situation - after all that would have been the common, even normal thing to do. However, she chose to speak God’s promises for her healing over her life, expecting and trusting God to come through for her. I can tell you from experience that it can be so easy to speak and declare negative words as fear grips you. It can be easy to forget that God is right there with you and that He desires to help you through. Virginia was believing God for her healing but the journey towards that healing was fraught with obstacles and challenges and her faith was consequently tested. Yet, she chose to use her tongue to speak life instead of death, to speak healing instead of sickness and God came through for her.
    I am reminded of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-37. She and her husband would accommodate the prophet Elisha whenever he passed through their town. To reward her for her kind hospitality, Elisha asked if there was anything he could do for her. He found out that she had no son and promised that a year later she would bear a son. Unfortunately, however, one day the child got sick and died and she took him to the man of God, Elisha. Interestingly, when asked about her child’s well-being she responded: “It is well.” Yes, she could have honestly revealed that something was wrong but instead she used her tongue to utter the words: “It is well.” The man of God prayed and the child was revived. As far as the mother was concerned, God had promised her a son and I believe she chose to hold on to God’s promise to her. I also believe that her faith, spoken through her words of faith, contributed to her son coming back to life.
    What are you choosing to speak today - words of life or words of death? I like the way the Message version puts it: “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit - you choose.” The choice is still ours. I have learned over the years to speak words that align with God’s Word - not because I was seeing something positive happening but in spite of the negative that I was experiencing. I encourage you to declare God’s Word over your situation instead of negative words based on fear and discouragement. Let God’s Word be your final word!
    If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so now. God has provided us with the tools we need to live and thrive in this life. His Word is one of our most powerful tools. Let’s use it!​

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