“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (Hebrews 11:3)
WORDS DEFINE BORDERS. From the beginning, it was God’s spoken Word that brought definition to the world as we know it. His Word defined the boundaries of the seas, and the frame of the mountains. Without His spoken Word, it would still remain without form and void.
Likewise, the spoken word defines our lives. Whether the literal Word of God, or a person simply speaking from their heart, spoken words define the parameters of our lives. With a simple word, you can cause someone’s life to be blessed and flourish, or to be cursed and wither.
With a word, you can cause someone's life to be blessed and flourish, or to be cursed and wither. Click To TweetThere have been pivotal times in my life that words have been spoken to me that molded the course of my life. The people that spoke them didn’t realize they were defining the parameters of my life, or changing its outcome. They were simply speaking from their hearts.
POSITIVE WORDS BLESS. As a freshman in high school, I twirled a flag in the color guard. One day I spent a few minutes listening to and encouraging a fellow band member who was dealing with a life situation. This girl was several years older than me. We didn’t really have anything in common outside of the band room. I didn’t even play an instrument. It was simply an isolated encounter.
The band director noticed us chatting. Afterward, he came up to me and said, “Pat, you have the kind of personality that can relate to people in any social group.”
I don’t know if what he said was true before that day, but I do know that it became true from that day on. Throughout the rest of my high school years, and my life until now, I have never felt bound to any one exclusive social group. I have been able to interact and befriend people across multiple social barriers -age, financial, denomination. As a pastor’s wife, this gifting has served me well.
A similar incident happened years later, when a friend said to me, “Pat, you could minister to people in a palace or a mud hut.” Working alongside my husband in missions, I have often been appreciative of the reality these spoken words created in my life.
NEGATIVE WORDS CURSE. Words can also define the parameters of our lives in a negative way. I’ve always carried a song in my heart. I’m not sure that’s enough to make someone a singer, but I’ve always had a desire to let that melody out.
I had finally rallied the courage to sing in church…in front of real people. After service, several complimented my singing with kind words of encouragement. I knew my attempt had been less than stellar, due to a terrible case of nerves, and said so. A man in the congregation replied, “Well, we all can’t be good at everything.”
Looking back, I know this man truly thought he was being helpful, but I literally felt my world alter in that moment. Something shifted in the spirit realm. A rift was formed, a chasm that I’ve never been able to cross. Decades later, my throat stills swells closed in an anxiety attack when I try to sing in front of people.
IT’S NOT JUST MIND OVER MATTER. Spoken words create reality. Believing or disbelieving them is not enough to alter their effect. They are already at work the instant they are released. God’s Word didn’t require anyone to believe it for the Earth to be formed. Neither do our words have to be believed to create either a positive or negative reality.
WORDS ARE POWERFUL. Choose them wisely. Speak life.
I would love to hear your stories of how words defined your life in either a positive or negative way.
Warm Regards,
-Pat
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You actually were one of those people for me. It was our last Ladies Conference together. The first service had just ended, the room was so crowded, and you were visibly anxious over how long we would have to wait for our traditional first-night pizza in the hotel knowing everyone else likely had the same idea as our group. I got out my phone and started to place an online order (that wasn’t popular yet so I knew it would provide us a time advantage while everyone else was trying to get a phone call through at the same time) and I told you, “I’m taking care of it. It’ll be ok.” You didn’t speak directly to me, but you turned to the side, sighed in relief, and uttered to yourself out loud, “If Chrystal says it’ll be ok, it’ll be ok.”
Those words resounded within me. I don’t know why. But that statement has been carried with me in my home when dealing with a family crisis, while counseling a friend, and into my patient’s hospital rooms when their world is falling apart. I have become someone who can bring calm to any situation. When I say it’ll be ok, people believe me, because I believe me and then do everything in my power to make sure it is ok because I know people count on me when I say that.
Thank you for believing me first.
Thank you, Chrystal! This touched my heart. I’m so glad it was a positive example, and not a negative!!! I love you.
This touched me deeply! I remember an occasion when my husband and I were at campmeeting and we decided to sing together for the evening service…i was extremely nervous and i knew it didn’t turn iut the way I had hoped. Our pastors wife told us we were a disgrace. It affected me so much that i have never been able to sing with my husband alone since then. I know that he would love it if we could since we are pastoring ourselves now. Not sure how to get past this.
Jeanne, thanks so much for sharing your experience. I didn’t really cover it it the post, but spoken words can overcome spoken words. We must speak the thing until it comes to pass. For me, I have been speaking, “I am a singer,” every day since I wrote the post. The Lord doesn’t want us to be defeated. Start small and in a “safe” environment. Maybe sing with your husband in your home at first. Speak scripture. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Thanks again!