This morning as I woke up and tended to the needs of my precious 12 year old pup whom I simply adore, I was pleasantly welcomed by a hint of Fall in the air, and all I could think about at that moment was light cozy sweaters… my beloved boots…Fall infused coffee… the aroma of pumpkin spice and everything nice scented candles… the beautiful colored changing leaves…and the much anticipated cooler weather. And I must admit, it brought a smile to this Texas gal’s face. Oh how I love Fall, and the freshness it brings as the season changes…
Last week while talking with one of my dearest friends from my college days, we began discussing the world at large and the decisions being made that are affecting us all… and boldly with fire in Michelle’s eyes and deep conviction in her voice she asked,“What Will Your Response Be?” As the words left her mouth they resounded deep within my heart… and before I could even answer she said, “It Will Be Whatever You Are Full Of.” As I sat there feeling the weight, the truth of these words I knew I had to write to you…
You can always locate where you are by what comes out of your mouth… for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak. If you are settled in confident trust that the Lord is your Protector, Provider, Healer, Deliverer and Peace, your response will always be one of faith-filled words. On the other hand, if you do not have the assurance of Who He really is and what His Promises are, then your reply will have the tendency of being one of doubt-filled words.
What Will Be Your Response?
When David faced Goliath he had a question he had to answer, “What Will Be Your Response?” When the armies of the living God came under the attack of the Philistines (the enemies of God), King Saul and the armies of the living God fell under the paralyzing grips of fear. David upon entering this unbelievable scene, heard the giant roaring his threats against them, and chose to rise up and defend God and His army. David, a shepherd boy who knew His God, spoke to that situation, and boldly and confidently faced Goliath as he declared, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, who you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand…” David’s Response Was One of Unwavering Faith! (See 1 Samuel 17)
For When the Giants in Your Life are Talking, You Had Better Talk Back!
Joshua and Caleb who were sent out with the other ten men to spy out the Promised Land had a question they had to answer, “What Will Be Your Response?” After seeing the fruit of the land that flowed with milk and honey, and observing the undesirable inhabitants that took up residence there, they came back full of faith and ready to overtake the land that was rightfully given to them as an inheritance. They chose to give Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation of Israelites a Good Report of faith and action, when the other ten spies decided to give a Bad Report of fear and retreat due to seeing giants in the land. Joshua and Caleb’s Response Was One of Bold Faith and Determination… They were ready to go and possess the land and serve their enemies an eviction notice! (See Numbers 14)
All three faith filled men had the appropriate response when facing circumstances that could invoke fear, doubt and unbelief in God’s Word and His ability. They all knew God intimately and had experienced His Provision, Protection, and Delivering Power. They were confident that they were Well Able… had the Power… the Authority backing them… and the Capacity to Prevail and Succeed. Since God was for them, who or what could be against them. They knew without a doubt and without hesitation what would be their response.
What Will Be Your Response?
When our freedoms are seeming to be taken single-handedly one by one right in front of our eyes… when situations that could invoke a response of dread and fear in us come like a tidal wave trying to overtake us and keep us under… when the “giants” of lack, fear and failure are yelling their threats… always remember what comes out of your mouth could determine the outcome you live.
We must declare by faith and with full confidence in the face of oppressive control, “We will live in freedom!” When inflation is on the rise, we say…“He will sustain us from famine.” When fear tries to get a grip on us, we speak to it… “I resist you in Jesus Name! God has not given me a Spirit of fear, but a spirit of love, power and a sound mind!” When lack tries to roar its ugly head, we speak…“We have MORE than enough. We live in God’s economy, His plan, His Provision!”
Dear One, when those “giants” are talking to you, you better be talking back! Ask the Holy Spirit to set a watch guard over the doors of your lips, not allowing one word to come out of your mouth that is filled with fear. Fear has no place in the life of a Believer. We must rise above the propensity to fall into fear, doubt or unbelief. We must kick that fear in the rear and walk by faith, declaring the promises of God over our lives. We are women of prayer, who know Who our God is and the power prayer holds. Honey, if you have allowed fear filled words to disperse out of your mouth like a water hose on the “spray” setting, watering everyone and everything around you with fear, then turn off that “hose” and ask the Lord to forgive you and help you. Today is a new day and you can predetermine in your heart that you will live by faith and your Response Will Be One that Lines Up with God’s Word!
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