(Matthew 21:21-22 ESV) “Assuredly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea’, it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Not long ago the Lord spoke to me about the power of words. It’s amazing how one word can change our perception. As I was praying, I spoke what I meant to be a declaration of faith. I said, “Lord, You have never failed me yet.” Almost immediately, I sensed the Holy Spirit inquire, “Yet? At what point are you expecting me to fail you?”
I realized that one word changed the focus of my declaration. ONE WORD!
If I pray, “God, You have never failed me.” I acknowledge the faithfulness of God. I declare that God is not capable of failure, and I’m expressing confidence in His desire to bless me in all things, in every way, at all times! In other words, I am Expecting The Best at all times.
However, if I say, “You have never failed me yet,” I’m leaving the door open to doubt. I’m leaving open the possibility that God could fail me in the future. Even though it has not been His track record with me; though He has come through every time…without fail. By adding that one word…“yet”…I am making an inaccurate declaration that changes my expectation from faith to doubt.
Let’s be clear. I may fail. I may fall short. I may face consequences that accompany MY poor decisions. But, God…FAIL? Never!
So, today I’m determined to speak of God’s faithfulness. I will add to my faith by subtracting any words that invite doubt.
PRAYER: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 ESV)
Thinking Out Loud 