The Power of God's Word

From: Enlarged

Narrator: Chris Genthree

Duration: 3min

• 2 min. read • grade level: 9

The Bible is the only book in the world that is living. It is “the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23²³Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:23)). It is, “quick (living), and powerful (operative)” (Hebrews 4:12¹²For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)). It has converted the sinner, changed lives, cheered and edified the believer, instructed the mind, comforted the heart, fed the soul, and restored the wayward.

However, it took a season of affliction to make me realize just how living and powerful the Scriptures really are. The day I was diagnosed with cancer I was reading in 2 Kings chapter 4. There we have the story of the Shunammite woman whose son had died. It was a severe trial, but when she was asked if all was well with her and her family, without hesitation she answered, “It is well” (2 Kings 4:26²⁶Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well. (2 Kings 4:26)). The living power of those three one-syllable words carried me through the weeks that followed. I never before realize how powerful the Word of God really is.

My wife tells me that when I awoke after an eight hour surgery and several hours of recovery, my first words were, “Read me the Bible.” From there on I valued every verse that was read to me, not only by my wife, but by the many who visited. It wasn’t necessarily long readings, just a verse or two, or a quote in passing. For several days I could not focus enough to read myself, and long readings were pointless. However, every text, every card with a verse, every email or phone call with a Scripture shared, has been invaluable, and a source of divine strength and uplifting energy.

I certainly have learned the value of sharing the Word of God with others who are going through difficult times and afflictions ways. It has been an enlargement that has taught me the value and power of the Living Word. I realize more of what it means when it says, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4⁴For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)).

The Living Word, how powerful,

Its comforts fill my heart,

Its light is to my feet a guide,

Its pages, peace impart:

It cheers my soul, it gives me joy,

When all around is dim;

It speaks of truth, and life, and health,

And occupies with HIM.

With HIM, my Savior, and my Friend,

Telling of all His ways,

Of love, and grace, and tenderness,

Filling my heart with praise.