Activating God’s Word

so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:5

Have you ever found a recipe online that sounded delicious, but despite your best efforts, didn’t turn out when you attempted to make it? Chances are, you were missing a key ingredient or a vital step in the process needed to bring all the flavors together.

Many people have the same experience with the Bible.

Those who attempt to read it usually do so because they long for a meaningful connection that they have seen others experience with God’s Word. Yet, despite their best efforts, they simply don’t get similar results. Why?

First, it’s important to understand that the Bible is no ordinary book. It’s much more than just ancient text full of stories and a bunch of rules for life. The Bible is God’s divinely inspired word designed to give us direction and purpose for our life.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV).”

The Bible is also God’s living word, meaning it’s as relevant and meaningful now, as it was when God originally spoke to its authors. This means that if we, the readers, truly let the Bible’s message sink into our hearts and minds, it will meet us wherever we are in life.

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life (John 6:63 ESV).”

It shows us who God is and who we are as children of God. It transforms our hearts. It makes sense of our fallen world, helping us discern what is of God and what is of man. And it can cut to the heart of any matter we’re facing in life. So we shouldn’t just read the Bible, we should let it speak to our innermost being.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 ESV).”

But how? How do we let the Bible engage us at such a deep level?

The key ingredient in making the Bible truly come alive for us is faith.

Faith activates God’s word.

But if you lack faith, then what? Are you simply predestined to never connect with the Word of God? Absolutely not.

In order to activate God’s Word, you must start by studying the Bible—even if you have doubts—and try applying it to your everyday life.

Over time, reflect on any changes you’ve noticed about yourself and how God’s word has helped you move forward. These “ah-ha moments” are revelations from God and little by little, they activate your faith. Journal these revelations and reflect back on them often.

Then, return to the Word. Focus specifically on the passages that have had the greatest impact on your life. You’ll find that, even with the tiniest degree of faith, the scripture now has more meaning.

Make an effort to put these verses to memory. Then, move on to other areas of the Bible and repeat these steps.

This is the process of building faith—the key ingredient needed to activate the power of God in your life.

Do you want to experience transformation? Put these steps into action with an open heart and mind.

Today’s author: Mark Henderson—Founder of The Inspired Legacy