Today’s reading:
Genesis 22:1-19
“And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (v. 8)
“Words of faith” refers to those words known or desired or spoken, which are in line or agreement with the promises and provisions of the Bible, as an affirmation of God’s plans and purposes. To speak the words of faith means that, when you ask God for something, you receive it, believing that you have it from the moment you ask. The spoken word of faith creates supernatural results, which are beyond human comprehension.
The word “faith” is expressed in Heb. 11:1 as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Apostle Paul said in 2 Cor 5:7 that we walk by faith, not by sight. We are told in Heb. 11:3 that, by faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that the things seen were not made of visible things. Jesus encouraged his disciples to have faith in God (Mark 11:22). He further explained that assuredly, whoever says the mountain be removed and cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but rather, believes that those things he says would be done, then he would have whatever he says. In Heb. 11:6, it is written that without faith it is impossible to please God. He is the God of faith! It is evident; therefore, that God is aware and hears our words of faith. In Today’s reading in verses 7-8, Abraham answered his son, Isaac, when he asked him for the lamb for the burnt offering, that God will provide for himself the lamb for the burnt offering. This utterance would be surprising to anyone, since Abraham had no provision for a lamb, but had just followed God’s instruction in total obedience. Throughout this passage, Abraham did not display any doubt or panic rather he moved in steps towards offering Isaac as the lamb for the burnt offering.
Evident that God not only hears but also responds to words of faith, in verses 11-12, God sent an angel who called out to Abraham not to lay his hand on his son or do anything to him. In verse 13, it is recorded that as he lifted his eyes and looked behind him, there was a ram caught in the bush by its horn. So he went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering. This was the answer to Abraham’s confession that “God will provide for himself the lamb for the offering”. God heard and responded positively, by making a provision of a ram. The roles expected of man to play in the hearing and responses of God to our words of faith include: first and foremost, having a true relationship with God; full surrender of self and possession to God; faith in the word of God, just as Jesus said in Mark 11:24, that whatever things you ask, believe that you receive them, and you will have them; obedience to God’s word is also key; trusting him (confidence in the power of God’s word and our own words); confessing the word of faith to God’s hearing e.g. in prayers.
Evident from the experience of Abraham and others in the scripture, there are many benefits derivable from speaking the word of faith. These include blessings; multiplication (of descendants); generational blessings; God can swear by himself to the person (boosting the confidence). We have been promised that we can have what we say/confess, as long as it is a word of faith.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Father Almighty, thank you for creating our world by the power of your spoken word.
Lord Jesus, we appreciate you for giving us faith to believe in the sacrifice you came to earth to offer for our salvation.
Please, Father, keep increasing our faith so that we can please you in every area of our lives and encourage others to believe too.
Lord Jesus, please encourage in us the desire to learn more of the word and speak the word of faith always.
Father, help all believers to arise and propagate the Gospel so that souls will be won and added to the kingdom of light in large numbers.
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