But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8)
What a powerful testimony of faith, insight, and revelation. Just a word, and the centurion was convinced that his servant would be healed. Many would argue that it was only the faith of this man that saved his servant. But I would challenge us to explore another dimension of this account in Scripture. Was it just his faith or could it have been that he understood the promises of God? Was it a divine revelation of this man, Jesus, that caused the centurion to speak this truth over his situation? I believe when we step back and look at the way this story unfolds, we see something much more powerful than just faith alone.
For many of us, words are just that…words. We speak things, we call out things, we talk about this and that without ever giving a thought of what we are saying. You see like this centurion; we must remember that what was given to us in the Old Testament connects with spiritual laws of the New Testament. You see, long before this man faced the possible loss of his servant, he understood that the Scriptures taught that the power of life and death were in the tongue, our words. He understood that with his words, he had the power to bless and to curse. Why? Because as we read on in this passage, he understood authority. He understood that a word spoken under the right authority would result in action.
So, it stands for us today. Many times, we talk ourselves out of a blessing because we speak about what is around us. The Word tells us to speak to our mountains, not about them. We can’t sit around talking about how bad things are, how the world, the government, or the economy is sinking and expect that we will see any change. We can’t claim ownership of an illness, disease, poverty, and hopelessness by our words. So many times, we say my sickness, my disease, my issue. If we speak those words, then we solidify ownership of that thing. It is just that, a thing, a spirit, an issue. It isn’t yours. Speak to it for what it is, an obstacle under authority that must come into alignment with a Word rightly spoken. In the book of James we are told that a man who is double-minded should not expect to receive anything from God. We can’t glorify the negative and expect a positive outcome.
What we see happening around us globally or even in our own lives can change. We have been given the power to speak to things that are not what they should be and see them come into alignment with the Word of God. If we begin to speak what God says about thing, then we will see our words result in action.
What are you facing today that needs a good talking to? Is it fear or anxiety? Then speak to it. God has not given us a spirit of fear. He has overcome the world. He is in me and I in Him, so if this is the case then I have overcome the world as well. Maybe you have been so worn down that you no longer see yourself as God sees you. Check yourself! Watch those words. You are the righteousness of God. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.
Brothers and sisters, I implore you all. Don’t live your life beneath God’s standard. Speak the Truth of God’s Word over your life, your home, your spouse, your children, your job. It doesn’t matter what it is, just speak the truth. If you speak the Word and will of God over a thing, those words will result in action. Just like the centurion’s servant, the Word was spoken…sent out, and the resulting action was a life restored!
May the God of all peace fill you with such truth today that you can’t help but overflow with words of life and affirmation.
Bishop Jarod Cruthis