Speak Out (2)

Focus: Psalm 116:10 KJV - I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

True faith and intense suffering often exist at the exact same time. The phrase "I was greatly afflicted" shows that the writer was drowning in sorrow, trouble, or physical danger. Yet, despite being surrounded by darkness, his heart held onto a deep internal conviction ("I believed"). Because his faith was alive, he refused to let his mouth speak defeat or despair. Instead, he chose to use his voice to declare his trust in God's deliverance ("therefore have I spoken"). The Lord is particular about getting believers out of their numerous afflictions and that is why He is emphasising this subject: speak out.

Nebuchadnezzar erected a massive 90-foot golden idol and commanded everyone to bow down to it or be thrown alive into a roaring, superheated fiery furnace. Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to commit idolatry, they were cornered by the most powerful king on earth. They were facing an agonizing, imminent death sentence. They were greatly afflicted. Standing before the blazing furnace, their hearts were completely unshakeable. They did not doubt God's power, His existence, or His sovereignty. They fully believed that God was far greater than the pagan king and his fire. Because they believed, they didn't try to negotiate, beg for mercy, or stay silent. They used their mouths to boldly speak out their faith directly to the king's face. Their declaration of faith was met with a historic miracle. When thrown into the fire, Jesus Himself (the "Fourth Man") stepped into the furnace with them. They walked out of the affliction completely untouched, without even the smell of smoke on their clothes.

Affliction is the ultimate testing ground for your vocabulary. When life gets hard, it is easy to speak complaints, fear, and negativity. But the spirit of faith requires you to anchor your heart on God's ability, look the affliction in the eye, and speak what you believe, not what you feel. When you speak faith in the middle of a furnace, God steps in to turn your affliction into a testimony. Like Christ, the offensive weapon of the believer is the sword of fire that protrudes out of his mouth. Stop being always on the defensive. Attack is the best form of defense. Put your weapon of attack to use by activating it over your current affliction and see God come through for you.

Prayer

Daddy, I thank you for fighting my battles for me. I am currently in the middle of great affliction and tribulation. Arise in your power and back up my proclamation of your word concerning the situation with your utmost fire power. Let there be a quaking in the spiritual dungeon where I have been kept that I may be set loose like Paul and Silas. Show up in the furnace for me like you did for the Hebrew men. Give me the boldness to speak loudly against my situation for my total freedom, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Please share. God bless you.