“When you’re pregnant with a word from the Lord, it might be months, years, or decades before the word comes full term and you can deliver it, but you have a responsibility to carry that word until then. How you carry that word matters greatly.”- Banning Liebscher
“Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman who is deeply troubled . . . . I have been praying here out of my anguish and grief.” Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”- 1 Samuel 1:15-17 (NIV)
In Chapter 8 (“What to Do When You’re Expecting”) of Rooted, Banning Liebscher states you’ll encounter the Lord speaking to you when you plant yourself in the inner room of prayer. Therefore, when you’re pregnant with a word from the Lord, it’s time to start preparation for His word to come to pass.
However, Pastor Liebscher observes, many times we press in for things. Yet, the Lord doesn’t give us what we desire at first. Rather, He give us a word. Many people, though, find themselves tripping up in this process. Because they don’t know how to carry God’s spoken words to them. And when Hannah received words of comfort from Eli, she rose and shifted her focus. While Hannah had yet to receive a child, she did receive a word. Physically, nothing changed. But, Hannah heard Eli’s words of compassion. She craved affirmation.
In addition, looking at the original Greek of John 15:7, Banning notes that the word translated “words,” rhema, refers to something uttered by a living voice. Thus, the author states, Jesus’ words include what He has said and what He is saying. Also, the word “abide,” the Greek word men o, means “to be held, kept continually.”
Putting the two terms together, Pastor Liebscher observes, we find we first access the realm of faith as we draw close to Jesus and hear Him. That includes what He spoke in Scripture as well as through what He speaks to us today.
In conclusion, we must do more than simply hear Jesus’s words. As we hold and keep His words at all times, they abide in us.
Today’s question: What word from the Lord to you long to deliver? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Firmly anchored in Scripture”
