All words are powerful ? as we have learned in a previous issue. They can affirm, confirm, command, woo, support, or they can condemn, hurt, bite, curse and imbed themselves forever in your subconscious, or soul. BUT.... you have much greater power. We have two powers, in fact. One is your will power. You have the ability to choose to change your ?stinking thinking?, and direct your thoughts towards positive, fruitful things. The world knows and teaches that. There are a lot of theories, meditations, incantations and ?whatnots? to help you achieve success in life by overcoming and replacing your negative thoughts.

The second one that we have at our disposal, whenever and wherever you need it, is the all-powerful WORD. It is much more than a thought-changer! It goes to work on your behalf, transforming enemies into friends, creating peace where there was strife, and providing real solutions to your specific needs. In fact, once the wrong thoughts are out of the way, you will then be able to hear much more clearly what Plan He has for you: ?For I know the thoughts that I think toward you.....thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end!? (Jer. 29:11) He promises to give you ?witty inventions? (prov.8:12) ? thoughts and dreams as to how you can change your circumstances!

God's Word is alive. That means that it speaks to you in any and every situation. When you're talking to the Lord about the problem you are facing today, He will lead you to a verse that will totally astound you how it relates exactly to your present situation. In fact, it may even be a word that you have memorized and heard a thousand times. Yet, this time it will take on a different meaning pertinent to what is at hand. This is because the Holy Spirit reveals the heart of God and opens your eyes to what He is speaking into your life this very day!

Yes, that Word cuts, as it were, right through feelings, thoughts and actions. That Word can remind you that God still loves the person who hurt you, even though He hates the sin. You will realize how He died on the cross for your enemy as well as for you and that, therefore, you can and should forgive that person, lift up your situation to Him, praise Him in all things, acknowledge His Peace in the midst of your turmoil, and move on. Not only that, but He will lead you out of whatever the burden is. He knows the end from the beginning and all you need to do is trust Him, believe His Word, and He shall direct your path.

It sounds so simple, eh? It does take some practice. A toddler has trouble understanding the word ?No? and keeps doing whatever he's doing, trying, testing his parents? patience, and learning all the while that he actually has a certain degree of power over his parents that way. Like a two-year old, you can also be very stubborn and hang onto your own thoughts, (?lean on your own understanding,?) and justify in your mind why you should feel mad, want revenge and do certain things. The child eventually learns that obedience brings far greater rewards than his own stubborn will.

Therefore, don't be stubborn with the Lord. Trust brings about the Peace that passes all understanding. It grows your faith which, in turn, will bring about the miracle you so badly need. Give your burden to the Lord. Take Him at His word: ?... my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.? (Mat. 11:30) And that, my friend, is your true Power.