Devotional #11: Powerful Words
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
-Proverbs 18:21 NIV
The grim day that my family and I received the news of a “terminal” diagnosis of grade 4 glioblastoma brain cancer, my dad looked me straight in the eyes and said, “We will win.” At the time I didn’t realize just how powerful these three short words were. Shortly thereafter, many people confirmed to me through scripture and other encouragements that “I shall live and not die, and declare the glorious works of the Lord.” Every time I started to despair I would repeat the words of my dad to myself to help me carry on. Over time, I have come to understand better the of power our words-words we speak, write, think, and even view.
I change my speech. Previously I would say “I have brain cancer.” I soon amended my words to say “I am a brain cancer patient.” The difference may seem minimal, but it is significant to me. The fact that I’m being treated for brain cancer does not mean I believe that I have brain cancer. I believe I am healed and that actually I have already won. Victory over illness was won the day Christ defeated Satan on the cross, “For by his stripes, we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.
That word have power is verified by scripture. Jesus tells us in Mark 11:23, "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” The book of Acts in Chapter 4 tells the account of the Sadducees confrontation of Peter and John, who had been sharing the message of salvation in Christ, and the healing of a lame man. In response, the Sadducees, “called them [Peter and John] in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Reinforcing the fact that words have power, even one name for Jesus is “the Word.” John 1:1 NIV.
I’ve also learned of the importance of positive thoughts. Psychology Today reports that 80% of the thoughts of an average human are negative, and that such thoughts can lead to depression and even substance abuse. For me this was best shown through my interaction with a cashier in the cafeteria of the cancer center where I received treatment. In between my MRIs and oncology appointments, my parents and I would often go to the cafeteria. One day, a new display of rubber cancer awareness bracelets was on display: pink for breast cancer, orange for leukemia, emerald for liver cancer, etc. When I reach out for the grey brain cancer bracelet, the cashier boldly asked me, “Why would you wear that? You would be telling yourself every time you look at you wrist that you have cancer.” She was right. I immediately put the bracelet back and was grateful for the correction.
Any cancer patient will tell you that it is hard to deflect discouraging comments from others. For me, stories of others who have died from glioblastoma were difficult. While I had great compassion for these others, I would have to remind myself that their story is not mine. While I know it is easier said than done, I implore you to refrain from speaking, viewing, or thinking negatively about your situation, even when you are feeling your worst. Try saying, “I will win,” “I will live,” “I am victorious in Christ,” “I am strong,” “Christ has already healed me,” etc. As it says in Ephesians 4:27, “Do not give the devil a foothold.” And do not allow others to do so.
For Additional Study & Discussion
1. Read the story of Peter and John in Acts 4. What does this tell us about the power of speaking the name of Jesus? How does this apply in a situation in your life today?
2. List three positive statements about a situation you are facing today. How do these statements make you feel?
3. Colossians 3:1-4 NIV says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” How can you set your mind on things above in your current situation?