Unto Us the Word is Given
By Tammy Hopson
Mitchell County
I could tell right away that something was wrong. I walked into the room and reached for her hand. “Can I help?” I asked as my heart longed to lift her up. Teardrops filled her eyes quickly as she told me of her sorrow and the sadness that was overwhelming her. She spoke of fears and the anxiety that was gripping her as the tears rolled down her cheeks. My friend who was usually so strong now sat broken in front of me. I searched and struggled for something to say. “Can I pray with you?” I asked. Her head nodded slightly as I knelt by her desk and took her hand. Then my mind went completely blank. I was tired and worn out. I could not expound to her the things I know my heart wanted to say and I could not think of what to ask my Father in intercession for my dear friend. “Dear God…I sputtered…then I paused. I resorted to only quoting scriptures. I stated that “All things work together for the good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28). I continued to say pieces of scriptures that came to my mind that mentioned peace and joy. As I stuttered in desperation to help her, I felt like I was absolutely failing. After my prayer, I hugged her and told her I loved her. She wiped her tears then smiled and thanked me for praying with her.
As I drove home I thought I had not helped her at all. I replayed in my mind all the things I had said and how I staggered through my words so poorly. I told myself that I used to be better at this and how unprepared I was to pray for someone today. I started telling God in my spirit if I had felt better I could have helped her more. Then just like He always does, God whispered into my spirit so gently “But you told her my Words.” The scriptures that I quoted to her came flooding back. Those were God’s Words, not mine. Then I began to think about the power of His Word. The scripture in Isaiah 55:11 says that “God’s Word would not return unto Him void but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent.” Another scripture says that God’s Word is powerful, alive, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Yes, I had spoken God’s Word to my sweet friend, and I was so happy that I did! Now I am trusting His Word to make a difference in the battles she is facing.
Since that day I cannot stop thinking of what a gift we have been given by God. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus this month and the salvation He brought to us by coming into this world and going to the cross. That surely is a reason to celebrate! But before Jesus left He also spoke these words to our Father “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.” John 17:8.
Jesus states here that He gave us the Father’s Words! The ones that are powerful, active, and alive! The Words that will not fail have been given to believers to activate and say by faith to those who are hurting and to those who need His touch. What a wonderful and precious gift we have been given! When I spoke the Words of God to my hurting friend, God promised they would not return to Him void but would accomplish a purpose.
I believe with all my heart that when I speak the Word of God to any person, problem, or circumstance God will make those Words live, and although I may never see with my own eyes what they accomplish, God is faithful. My own words may have encouraged my friend for a while, but the Word of God can live in her heart and lift her spirit time and time again.
Now I see even more how important it is for me to know what God has said. His Words are a gift I should unwrap and open every single day! I should commit them to memory to use over and over, to encourage others, to encourage myself, and to speak God’s will against troubles, trials, and circumstances. Another friend of mine said to me the other day “As Christians we must speak life into everything”. I know when I speak what God has said I am speaking life. What a wonderful revelation to think about this Holiday season, that so many years ago God came down and a child was born who would save those who believe, that forgiveness of sin has been made available through Him, and that because we believe in Him unto us the Word is given! I am rejoicing in this gift and I have committed to opening it daily and giving it to another! I will begin now by quoting II Thessalonians 3:16 “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.”
Merry Christmas!
Tammy Hopson
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Tammy Hopson has been a Mitchell County resident since 1992 and lives in Red Hill with her family. She is a mother of six children and grandmother of 14. She has been a member of Hoyle Memorial Christian Fellowship in Lawndale, NC since 1992 and helps lead The HMCF Youth Group.
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