One word!
Hi friends, welcome back! Today I want to talk about something that has been on my heart for a while. It’s a message I recently shared at church—a reminder of the power of one word from God. Just one word can bring redemption, revival, and transformation.
This thought is inspired by a passage from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 7, verses 1-14. Let me walk you through the story and why it holds such a powerful lesson for us.
The Ark Returns, But Something Feels Missing
To give you some background, this chapter recounts the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Israel after being captured by the Philistines. At first, this might seem like a moment of triumph, but there’s an interesting detail in verse 2. It says that although the Ark was back, it remained there for 20 years, and during that time, the Israelites mourned because it felt like the Lord had abandoned them.
Isn’t that interesting? The Ark, which represented the very presence of God, was with them. Yet, they still felt distant from Him. Why? Because they didn’t fully understand or honor what the Ark symbolized. They treated it as a tool, a means to an end, rather than as the sacred dwelling of God’s presence.
Worship Without Obedience Falls Short
The Israelites knew how to worship. They knew the rituals, the songs, the sacrifices. But something was missing—obedience. As Prophet Samuel pointed out in verse 3, they were worshiping other gods alongside the Lord. Their divided hearts kept them from experiencing the fullness of God’s presence and power. Samuel’s instructions were clear: “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you.”
Samuel’s message was simple yet profound: Worship brings God’s presence, but obedience brings deliverance. The Israelites needed to turn their hearts fully to God and let go of anything that competed for their devotion.
One Word That Changed Everything
When the Israelites followed Samuel’s word, everything began to shift. They repented, sacrificed, and sought God wholeheartedly. In response, God intervened. He delivered them from their enemies and brought peace to their land.
This story reminds us of the power of alignment with God’s will. Sometimes all it takes is one word from Him to bring clarity, breakthrough, or healing. But that word requires our response—a step of faith, a surrender of our own way, and a willingness to trust Him completely.
A Prayer for Your Breakthrough
Maybe you’re in a season where something feels stagnant or dormant. You’ve been worshiping, praying, and waiting, but nothing seems to change. Let me encourage you: one word from God can change everything.
Just as Samuel’s word brought revival to Israel, I pray that God releases a word into your life today. Whether you’re seeking direction, healing, or breakthrough, may His word bring clarity and deliverance. And as you worship, may your heart align with His will, and may you experience the fullness of His presence and power.
I hope it encourages you as much as it has encouraged me. If this spoke to you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What areas of your life are you praying for a word from God?
Until next time, stay blessed!!