The phrase “word for word” is used to recall what was said, but to do so in identical fashion. It has been defined by the Oxford dictionary as, in exactly the same or, when translated, exactly equivalent words; verbatim. Doing this, brings the listener into the awareness of a particular time and space; one that he or she may not have been privy to, brings about remembrance or reference, as well as establishes a contextual confidence from and of the speaker.
“Word for word” isn’t typically a phrase that you would hear at random nor to be thrown around lightly. I believe it is because it denotes a seriousness of conversation or connection. You wouldn’t ask just anyone to recall something “word for word”, because it requires the source to be reliable-to rule out any unnecessary confusion, to allow for facts to be revealed, lies uncovered, and clarity obtained. The New Living Translation of John 1:1-4 says this:
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.
For believers, Jesus is our word for word. When he speaks it is comprehensive and his track record precedes him. Embedded in one word from the Lord is power, provision, prosperity, time, the absolute of manifestation-the list goes on. Albeit many, I've placed an emphasis on the aforementioned in hopes of further cementing your trust in what the Lord has said to you and provide context for when you may feel less than certain.
Power
"Power, O God, belongs to you". (Psalm 62:11), "when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command". (Psalm 33:9) Genesis 1:3 tells us "Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light". I mean WOW! the same breath that spoke the world into existence is the same powerful change agent speaking over your life right now! Just let that marinate for a bit... We serve a living God so not only is his word (Bible) "alive and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12) so are the words he speaks. Words that stand unmatched against anything anyone else has to offer. In his grace, He extends power and as a result, you are the beneficiary.
Because He is: you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Because He is: you can do all things (Philippians 4:13). Because He is: you are the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13). Because He is: you can say to this mountain 'move from here to there', and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:20).
Remove the limits off of what you THINK the Lord can do and allow him to do what He CAN do.
I encourage you to spend time with the Lord and allow him to show you what you possess because you abide in him.
Do not dilute His power to match yours.
Provision and Prosperity
Sometimes the word the Lord releases comes with specific instructions both clear and concise. Providing you with all the info you need to do exactly what the Lord said. Take the word given to Noah for instance in Genesis 6:14-16: "14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high. 16 Make a roof for it, leaving below the roof an opening one cubit high all around. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks." Super specific right?! Other times the word may not be so specific, but your obedience is still required. Like Abram (Abraham) when the Lord spoke to him in Genesis 12:1: “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you." Not soooo specific...but like where Lord? How long until you show me the land? insert your own question(s) here. The word-may have you wading in uncharted waters, requiring you to operate outside of your realm of comfort, but the Lord is in that too! If he is in it, then there is prosperity in it.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) Regardless of route, I believe all is done in order to expand your bandwidth, challenge your capacity to trust the Lord like never before, and deepen your relationship with him. The beautiful thing that you must remember is that the Lord’s word is not absent of him. He goes with you as the ultimate guide- all he is asking of you is to take the first step into agreement with him.
Time and Manifestation
Its been said that timing is everything. That couldn't hold more true as it pertains to the Lord and his divine timing. Embedded in God’s word is the time allotted for that particular word to manifest. He doesn't lose sight of you as you wait for the things he has spoken over your life to come to pass, "jesus said to them, My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” (John 5:17) In an Instant: The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed....Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment. (Matthew 8:8,13)
May I point out that belief played a factor here too. Often times your belief will carry you where your feet cannot.
A bit of a Wait: The story of Abraham and his road to fatherhood. Whew! If you are familiar with this story then enough said. If not, let me highlight a couple areas of scripture to bring you context. (Genesis 15: 2-4)
But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”
____
(Genesis 18:10-14) Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” 13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” ______ (Genesis 21:1-5) Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age,at the very time God had promised him. 3 Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. 4 When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Many years passed before the word the Lord spoke over Abraham manifested. However, scripture tells us in Genesis 15:6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
So, whether done in an instant or something we have to wait on, the Lord is and will always be the master strategist of your destiny. He is faithful! You can believe him at his word. Although you may not understand his timing; where you must shift your weight is that there is “a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and his "thoughts are nothing like your thoughts says the lord and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” (Isaiah 55:8) and because of this, the Lord tells us "So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
The Lord, in his infinite wisdom created a time and a space with you in mind. He created a series of words filled with guided instructions and an abundance of blessings specifically for you, to accompany you in your present and grace you with hope for the future.
It's a word you can trust. Word for Word.
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