"Powerful Words"

EPISODE 80

Speak Up About Failure and Faith

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According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there were over 58,000 recorded wildfires in the United States in 2018. All told, these fires destroyed approximately 8.8 million acres of land. But like James said, even the most enormous inferno starts small.

"... the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!" (James 3:5).

Our words have immense power, both in tearing down and building up. And one of the most constructive uses of our words is in confession. Let's look at how speaking up about our faith and our failures can significantly change our lives for the better.

The Power to Reveal

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9).

Speaking to God about our shortcomings — revealing them — is the only way to find forgiveness. He already knows our sins, but he wants us to acknowledge them for ourselves. So, when we approach the Lord, do we say, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13)? Or do we hide our sinfulness by saying, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men" (Luke 18:11)?

The Power to Heal

"... confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" (James 5:16).

We tend to present the "best" parts of our lives before the world. But when we parade our "perfection" before others, we'll never find the powerful healing that comes through prayer. So, are you willing to be vulnerable with your brothers and sisters — to open up to them about your sins — so they can approach God on your behalf?

The Power to Save

"... if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved" (Rom. 10:9-10).

Speaking about Christ has the power to save us! It's an integral part of being his disciple. More than a one-time act, we're called to share our faith with the lost continually. And when we confess him before others, he promises to confess us before the Father (Matt. 10:32-33). So, are you tapping into the power of public confession that can save you in the end?

Let us never underestimate the power of our words. As small a gesture as confession may seem, these simple statements can reveal, heal, and even save us!