Learn to Respond to God's Word

Quoting scripture and responding by faith are not the same thing. Some people quote scriptures like parrots without believing or even understanding what they are really saying.

If you are quoting a scripture from your spirit, you will also respond to that scripture by taking the corresponding steps to bring it to pass

Speaking God’s Word and responding to God’s Word are two different things. Many think they’re the same, but they’re not. Most have never been taught how to respond to God’s Word and many don’t know what it is to actually speak God’s Word.

A good example of speaking the Word in response to a situation was the encounter between the Lord Jesus and Satan as recorded in Matthew 4:1-4 (read entire reference).

The Master responded to Satan, quoting the scripture that says, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). He spoke the Word; He said exactly what God already said through Moses, the Prophet.

So, when do you speak the Word? It’s mainly when Satan throws thoughts at you, and circumstances raise their voices against you. You say, “It is written,” and then go ahead to say what is written; don’t try to put it in your own words. Say it exactly as it is in Scripture. We learnt that from Jesus. He didn’t try to paraphrase or put it in His own words; He said, “It is written,” and then quoted what was written. He wasn’t trying to give the interpretation; He gave the Word. It’s one of the reasons you must have the Word of God in you richly.

Then, how do you respond to the Word? Do this by the vocalization of your faith on the basis of what God has already said. Your confession, resulting from your faith in a specific word or statement from God is your response to that Word. That’s what changes your life and circumstances.

For example, the Word says in 1 John 4:4, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Your response should be, “Yes, I am of God and I’ve overcome Satan and the adversities of life, because greater is He that’s in me, than he that’s in the world.” Glory to God! That’s how you activate the power of the Word to produce what it talks about in your life.

…he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say… (Hebrews 13:5-6).

It’s important we understand how to use the Word of God. The Word of God isn’t about preaching or how well you can quote it; it’s about living by it. It’s about your response to what God has said.

That’s what we read in our theme scripture; it reveals an important principle: God spoke, and gave us His Word, for the purpose of our response. You ought to have a bold response to the Word always.

Now, this doesn’t mean “reciting” the same thing that God has said; and that’s where many have missed it.

For example, He didn’t say, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” so that you may repeat the same thing, saying, “He will never leave me nor forsake me.” You have to give a response. He said what He said, so that you can respond on the basis of what He has said. So, the question is, what’s your response to God?

The powerful thing about the Word of God is your response. If you don’t respond, the Word will do you no good. You have to say something that’s consistent with what God has said.

For example, He has said, “I’m with you always”; what’s your response to that? It should be, “Yes, the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want or lack anything. I prosper everywhere and in all things, because the Lord is with me; and more so, He lives in me! This is my assurance of a victorious, ever-prosperous and glorious life. Hallelujah!”

Don’t say, “O Lord, you said you’re with me; therefore, supply my needs. You said you’re with me, why am I going through this predicament?” The one who talks that way is using the wrong codes; he’s not responding but complaining; and complainers get nothing.

Don’t complain about your situation; respond with the Word. That’s Christianity. That’s the life of faith: the response of the human spirit to God’s Word. When you hear the Word of God, give it a response. Your confession of the Word is your response to the Word, and that’s what will change your life and circumstances. Praise God forever!

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Hebrews 13:5-6).

In Mark 7:13, the Lord Jesus reprimanded the Jews for “Making the word of God of none effect through their tradition.”

Can you imagine making the Word of God, which created the universe, of none effect? Sadly, that’s the way it is in the lives of many. The Word doesn’t work in their lives because they don’t connect with it. They hold on to their traditions against the Word.

Each time you study, or hear the Word preached and taught, connect with it, with the right attitude. Respond to the Word. This doesn’t mean to just memorize and recite the Word; no! God didn’t give us His Word just so you can quote it.

He gave us His Word to use and to live by. There has to be a response from you; if there’s no response, the Word returns without actions and its unprofitable to you.

How do you respond to the Word? The answer is in our opening scripture: you boldly say what God has said! He gave you His Word so that you may boldly respond to it, and your response must be consistent with what He said.

For example, He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”; that means you’ll never lack anything, be afraid of anything or anybody, because the Lord is with you. Therefore, no matter what happens, you’ll always win.

Now, you connect with that Word by responding accordingly; you say, “The Lord is my helper, and I shall not fear what man shall do unto me.” When you speak God’s Word in agreement with Him, you’re responding correctly. This is how you connect with the Word, and make it effective in your life.