According to the Collins dictionary if you take someone at their word, you believe that they mean exactly what they say. Dictionary.com states it is to accept what someone says on trust, no proof needed. The Free Dictionary defines it as to believe what someone says and to act accordingly.
Do we take God at His Word?
God said it
The Bible is inspired by God. 2 Timothy 3:16 (EASY) declares “Everything that is written in the Bible comes from God’s Spirit. It helps us in many ways. The Bible teaches us what is true. It warns us when we are doing wrong things. It shows us what is right. It teaches us how to live good lives.” When God speaks through Scripture it is to help, teach and correct us. To show us how to live right.
It provides guidance on the right choice to make. In Psalm 32:8 (NLT) we read “The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
The Word of God affirms. For example, Isaiah 43:1 (NLT) “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”
It proclaims the promises of God. Such as, Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
It is the truth
Jesus said in John 17:17 (CEV) “Your word is the truth.”
God’s words are described as flawless (Psalm 12:6, Psalm 18:30). Enduring forever (Matthew 24:35, Psalm 119:89). We can’t argue with it (John 10:35). It is entirely perfect (Psalm 119:96). We can add nothing to it, nor take anything from it (Revelation 22:18-19). We can rely on it (Isaiah 55:11). All of it is true (Psalm 119:160).
I believe it
When God gives a promise, it is mainly God’s responsibility to bring it to fulfilment. When God gives us an instruction it is our responsibility to act. We have to choose our response to what God said.
Our response to what God said determines the realisation of His promises.
Like Mary, we can choose to immediately accept and obey. Luke 1:38a (CEV) “Mary said, I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.”
Or like Gideon, we can ask for confirmation. Judges 6:17 (CEV) “Gideon said, It’s hard to believe that I’m actually talking to the Lord. Please do something so I’ll know that you really are the Lord.”
On the other hand, in doubt, Sarah laughed at God and His promise. Genesis 18:12 (CEV) “So she laughed and said to herself, Now that I am worn out and my husband is old, will I really know such happiness?” Doubt forms part of the reason for the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16:2). Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son. After waiting for 10 years, Sarah started doubting that God meant she would have the baby with Abraham. She knew it would be from his seed, but not necessarily from her, so she made plans for him to sleep with her Egyptian slave, Hagar.
If we intervene with our own wisdom and plans, we can cause delays in the fulfilment of God’s promises.
Eve rejected God’s instruction. In Genesis 3:2-3 (CEV) Eve answered the snake “God said we could eat fruit from any tree in the garden, except the one in the middle. He told us not to eat fruit from that tree or even to touch it. If we do, we will die.” In spite of her answer, Genesis 3:6 (CEV) tells us “The woman stared at the fruit. It looked beautiful and tasty. She wanted the wisdom that it would give her, and she ate some of the fruit. Her husband was there with her, so she gave some to him, and he ate it too.” When Eve ate the forbidden fruit, she and Adam immediately became aware of their nakedness, felt shame, and hid from God. This act of disobedience, brought sin, mortality and suffering into the world.
Disobeying an instruction from the Lord, can have devastating consequences.
And that settles it
Jesus viewed God’s Word as the final authority.
For instance, when teaching His followers or when correcting wrong ideas, He said “the Scriptures declare” (Matthew 21:12 NLT) and “haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say” (Matthew 21:16 NLT).
When Jesus was tempted, He said, “It is written,” or “It is said.” (Matthew 4:4-10 NLT). Jesus quoted Scripture as His offensive weapon against the devil. Ephesians 6:17 (AMPC) encourages us to do the same: “And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.”
View God’s Word as the final authority.
Take God at His Word
When Jesus visited Cana in Galilee a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum came to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. In John 4:50 (NIV) we read, “Go, Jesus replied, your son will live. The man took Jesus at his word and departed.”
What does it mean to take God at His Word? It means to accept, trust and act on what God says. Choosing to believe that His promises are true, even when circumstances may seem different. Living by His revealed truth, rather than fear, doubts or feelings. Recognizing God’s unchanging character and faithfulness to fulfil His promises. Demonstrating respect for Him by treating His words as truth. It involves faith and obedience.
Are our actions demonstrating our faith in God’s words?
Why should we take God at His Word?
- Because God cannot lie and He always fulfil His Word. Numbers 23:19 (NLT) avows “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”
- God’s Word is sure. We trust and rely on God’s proven faithfulness and character, demonstrated throughout history. Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) assures “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”
- God is able to do what He said He will do. Romans 4:20-21 (NLT) teaches “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”
Release the power of God’s words
In the Bible, every time Jesus’ words were believed and acted upon, the results were miraculous.
Actions demonstrate faith. The disciples had to learn that they could believe and act on what Jesus said, even when it seemed to contradict the situation. For example, in Luke chapter 5, Jesus told Peter to let down the nets to catch fish. Peter responded that they had fished all night without catching anything. Nevertheless, Peter recognized the authority of Jesus’ words, so he acted on them. It seemed foolish, but he still obeyed. The result was God’s miraculous and abundant provision. So much so that they were astonished and had to call in help from their friends on the shore to bring in all the fish.
James 1:22 (NLT) sums it up as follows: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
Decision time
God’s words, including His promises, don’t have expiry dates. They are not like passports, gym memberships, food in the cupboard or milk in the fridge. Our Heavenly Father gave us a book full of His wisdom and promises and He will always make good on them. So, take God at His Word. Choose to believe what He says. Then act on it. This releases the power of His Word into our life.
I believe God is who He says He is. I believe He can do what He says He can do. I believe He wants to do it for me.
Our words and actions convey our response to what God said. Remember Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.” Choose wisely.
God said it. I believe it. And that settles it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your unfailing Word. Please help me, as I choose today to take You at Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
