ENID, Okla. — Hey Enid, it’s good to be back in the saddle, and I am so excited about the word God has for us this season. So many things are happening in our city — in our world. The signs of the times are everywhere. It can be an exciting time or a depressing time — that, my friend, is up to you.

While pondering the topic for this week’s column, I picked up Joel Osteen’s book “I Declare,” and if fell open to Day 19. Ever done that? You’re looking for answers, solutions to a bad situation, yelling at God, “Where are you? What do I do now?” So, as a last resort, you pick up the Bible, close your eyes, let it fall open where it may and point to a scripture — any scripture  — hoping, believing it’s a word straight from heaven, with some direction or answer to your dilemma.

Much to my surprise, this declaration turned out to be a much-needed word for me. As I read it, I could feel my spirit open, reach out and snatch the words right off the page. This one’s for me Lord. I know it! It was a revelation, a restoration of something I thought I had lost. You are here Lord, and I thank you!

“I declare, there is an anointing of ease on my life. God is going before me, making crooked places straight. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I will not continually struggle. What used to be difficult will not be difficult anymore. God’s favor and blessing on my life is lightening the load and taking the pressure off.”

I believe that … I receive that! These words are faith food for me. I eat them, savor them and digest them. They leave the sweet taste of victory in my mouth each time I say them aloud. This one will go on my fridge and the bathroom mirror.

I am reminded of all God has taught me about faith and the importance of the words of my mouth. I am also reminded of all the times I’ve spoken in defeat and unbelief, only to wonder why things weren’t working out. Oh, Father-God, I repent — boy do I repent!

People, we have to get a revelation that whatever we talk about increases, whatever we think about becomes larger. Our mind and our mouth, the tongue, are magnifiers of anything we want to grow. We must learn to talk expectations, not experiences. It’s so easy to meditate on our yesterdays, and the pain that goes with it. God has so much more for us.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).” Wow! Chew on that for a while.

Scripture says “So, then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).”

Speaking and hearing the word of God is called faith food. When we feed scripture into our spirit man, faith comes alive and becomes a living force within us. His name is Jesus. Friends, when we renew or wash our mind daily with the truth of God’s word, when we learn to linger in His presence long enough, our views will change, our perceptions are corrected and our faith explodes. We can declare  that which God has showed us and rest in His promise that all is well. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” He wants to make your life easier.

Quoting from Osteen’s book: “God is directing every one of your steps. He has already lined up solutions to your problems. He has lined up the breaks you need. I want you to go out each day knowing there is favor in your future. There is restoration in your future. There is healing in your future. There are good breaks just ahead of you. If you stay in faith you will see favor that will make your life easier.” (Another one for the fridge!)

Hebrews 11:1 tells us: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Now faith is … now! Faith is a substance for now, of hope and evidence for now, of things not seen for now! It is the ability to believe for now!

God has given us all a measure of faith, my friends. Only believe! Open your mouth and declare the goodness of God, declare His favor and blessing on your life. Change the direction of your believing, change the words of your mouth and you will change your circumstances. “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believes (Mark 9:23).”

Friends, faith can transform you from a weakling into the champion God intended you to be, if only you will believe.

Here’s a little more food for thought (and the fridge): “If you want to know where your heart is ... look to where your mind goes when it wonders.”

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you.

Keep the faith and worship somewhere today.



Sorrels is News & Eagle editorial assistant and can be reached at psorrels@enidnews.com or at (580) 548-8140. I love Joel Osteen. If you haven't purchased his book “I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life,” it is a must-have, a must-read.