“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20 (NLT)

When God created the world, He didn’t just think about it. He spoke it into existence. Genesis 1:3 (NLT) says, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” This demonstrates the power of God’s Words. They were not mere sounds; they were the force that brought the universe into existence. His spoken command turned His thoughts into reality. This single act of speaking shows us the incredible power that words can have.

In this record of creation, we see that God didn’t just think about creating light; He expressed His Will through His Words. This isn’t just a historical account but a powerful lesson for us. His example illustrates that when we speak out our faith, we are aligning ourselves with the divine power our Heavenly Father demonstrated. By speaking, God showed us how His thoughts and plans became tangible reality through His spoken words. Genesis 1:26 tells us that we were made in His very own image, and the record of recreation in Genesis teaches us that our words also have the power to manifest what we believe in our hearts.

God sets a powerful example for us in this. When we pray, we often vocalize our prayers, speaking them out loud. But why is this important? It’s because our faith is not just a silent or abstract feeling; it’s something we are called to actively express. The Bible shows us that our words have significant power. In Matthew 12:34 (NLT), Jesus says, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Our faith is meant to be lived out, and one of the most impactful ways to do this is through our words.

When we articulate our prayers, we’re not just engaging in a ritual or routine; we’re actively participating in a dynamic relationship with God. Speaking our prayers helps us express our hopes, fears, and thanks more clearly. This transformation of our internal thoughts into spoken words is seen in Philippians 4:6 (NLT), which instructs us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” By voicing our needs and gratitude, we bring our hearts and words into harmony, making our faith feel more genuine and grounded.

Speaking our prayers makes our faith tangible, strengthens our trust in God, and opens the door for His power to work in our lives. Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) tells us, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” By speaking our prayers, we invite God’s help and confirm His promises, turning our faith into a lively and vibrant part of our daily lives.

Confessing God’s promises plays a pivotal role in helping us navigate and overcome challenges. In Mark 11:23 (NLT), Jesus Christ declares, “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” This powerful teaching informs us that speaking our faith aloud, combined with genuine belief, can bring about remarkable changes. It shows how our words and beliefs work together. Jesus teaches that speaking in faith isn’t just about making bold statements; it’s about having a deep, unshakable trust in God’s promises. The image of moving a mountain represents overcoming huge obstacles through faith-filled words and unwavering conviction.

When you pray and declare God’s promises, keep in mind that you are following a divine example. You’re not merely reciting words; you’re engaging in a meaningful process that invites God’s plans and purposes into your life. Each time you speak these promises from His Word, you’re participating in a profound interaction with the Father, aligning your heart and mind with His Will and turning challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth. So, approach your prayers with purpose and conviction. Let your confessions become a dynamic part of your relationship with God, strengthening your faith and bringing you nearer to His transformative power. Your words are not merely expressions of hope; they are crucial tools for bringing God’s promises and plans into your daily life. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Backing Up Your Faith with Confession”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.