Lesson 246:“I Believed; Therefore I Have Spoken”
Upon starting this study, I stopped and prayed that God show me the way to present it without offense to anyone or misleading someone.While still in prayer, my computer informed me that I had a message. What I received was inspiring and encouraging, as it was, I am sure, a Word from the Holy Spirit to a friend of mine who passed the Word on to me. “To speak and write what He gives me to say and do not question it but instead watch HIM work in the lives of whom I impart them too” (1 Cor. 12:8)! I am now proceeding with the study, trusting that each of you will receive from God what He has intended, for only He knows that plans that He has for you (Jer. 29:11-14).
The psalmist (Ps. 116:9-11) believed and spoke that he would live (physically) even though he was greatly afflicted. He drew lessons from his experience for others to follow. Believers can relax because God will deliver them from death and suffering and anxiety are removed so that they can enjoy a peaceful life of service to Him (Isa. 48:18). God delivers those in need so they may live obediently before Him. Only God is completely trustworthy and in every need we cry out to the One who can deliver, believing that He is able to deliver you from the fiery furnace and do what He has promised (Rom. 4:21, Dan. 3:17). The apostle Paul (2 Cor. 4:13-15) spoke of his suffering and death (physically) because he was confident God would deliver him (spiritually) in the resurrection that is for all who place their faith for salvation in Him (1 Cor. 15:12-19, 1 Thess. 4:14). Paul too drew lessons for the believer, showing his suffering ministry was for the benefit of others and to the glory of God (2 Cor. 4:11-15).
Both the psalmist and the apostle were using the power of words to speak, not only their destination but their belief, through faith that God would honor their petitions based on His Word. The gift of faith is a special gift which is given supernaturally by the Spirit of God, as He wills (1 Cor. 12:9). Those who operate in special faith, the Gift of the Spirit, can believe God in such a way that God honors their word as His own, and miraculously brings to pass the desired result. Jesus encouraged the use of this gift when asking the blind men; “do you believe that I am able to do this” (Matt. 9:28-29). This is also true of salvation; “that if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9). Do not misunderstand this statement! I am in no way suggesting that whatever you “speak” you will automatically receive. Neither am I saying that if you believe with all your might that God will grant you a zillion dollars that He will drop it in your lap in small unmarked bills. Praying the promises of God written in the scripture is permissible but take every precaution to pray in His will and not for selfish gain (James 4:3). You may believe that you are doing right but the Lord will judge your reasons (Pro. 16:2). Do not be foolish and unwise but learn what the Lord wants you to do (Eph. 5:17).
Many have been misled and “turned off” by those who “name it and claim it”. Do not let the teachings of others draw you away from the scripture. Read and study for yourself and find what God’s promises are for YOU. He has made plans for YOU (Jer. 29”11-14). “As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you and you do not need anyone to teach you” (1 John 2:27). This anointing is the Holy Spirit and He will teach you all things and will remind you of everything that God has written in His Word (John 14:26). “I am the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you; who directs you in the way you should go” (Isa. 48:17). Seek out and find God (Jer. 29:13), seek knowledge of Him like you were searching for hidden treasure (Pro. 2:3-5), remembering that the Kingdom of God is like hidden treasure (Matt. 13:44) and we MUST seek this Kingdom first and above all, and your needs will be given to you (Matt. 6:33). Now this is a promise you can speak and believe!
Healing can be spoken for those who are sick and God will heal them (James 5:12-16). If you fear the Lord and shun evil, you bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones (Pro. 3:7-8). Much of the time Jesus only spoke and healed on the faith of the centurion (Luke 7:1-10), and on the faith of the Canaanite woman (Matt. 15:28). Jesus said; “anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it” (John 14:12-14, Matt. 21:21-22). It just does not get any plainer than that! “Why is my language not clear to you?Because you are unable to hear what I say” (John 8:43)! “You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God” (Matt. 22:29)! Speak up and go forth in God’s power! Do not be one of those who shrink back but be one of those who believe (Heb. 10:39)! Faith is bold so then go boldly before the throne of God so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need (Heb. 4:16).
Abraham was promised an heir and as we all know an heir out-lives the father! However, God told Abraham to go and sacrifice his only son on the mountain. Abraham held to the promised Word of God that his son would survive him and spoke this out to his servants. Read Genesis 22:5 carefully and see that he not only told them he and the boy would go “over there” but he said; “then WE will come back to you”! David had lived with the Lord as a shepherd boy and trusted His strength when the lion and the bear came against his sheep killing them with his bare hands (1 Sam. 17:34-37)! When the lions and bears of life come to take or destroy your kids, take them apart with your bare hands in the name of Jesus. Later when faced with a much larger danger, Goliath the giant, he spoke and believed; “you come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty. This day the Lord will hand you over to me” (1 Sam. 17:45-51). Notice in 17:48 that David ran to meet him! When you are filled with faith you lose your fear, resist the schemes of the devil and disavow any lies he has filled you mind with which cause you to doubt and face your giants head on in the name of Jesus.
God knows what you need before you ask (Matt. 6:8) and since He breathed the scripture (2 Tim. 3:16) He has not forgotten what it says but wants to make sure that you do not forget it either. Speak His Word! Pray the scripture and then believe! If you pray for God to open a door and He does, run through it. If the devil moves the steps and you fall six feet down, praise the Lord because He will broaden the path beneath you so that your ankles do not turn (Ps. 18:36). You can’t climb back up so you have to go forward, right? He will direct your paths (Pro. 3:5-6); He will uphold you with His hand (Ps. 37:24). He will deliver you from evil, He will heal you and He will provide for your needs, “if you believe, you will receive, whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matt. 21:22). Jesus is asking you just as He asked the ones in the bible; “do you believe that I am able to do this” (Matt. 9:28)?Do you?