My son came home early from school one day this week. Allergies and a corresponding headache were to blame. I quickly developed a headache of my own when I realized the mountain of homework that resulted from his premature departure from the classroom.
Ugh. Big Ugh. Guttural Ugh.
Homework and I are not friends. It is a constant drain on the energy in our household, most of us boasting a few scars from the woundings that have taken place over the years. I’ve been through the fifth grade with my children three times now. Four if you count the first time when I was a student in Mrs. Hitch’s classroom at Wilmore Elementary. Images of having to wear a red velvet dress and white sandals for a speech contest flash through my mind. So does the image of Mrs. Hitch disciplining me for chasing Robbie L. around the classroom in order to pounce on him for teasing me about said dress. Unlike my son, I didn’t have an educational learning issue—just a people one. I’ll let you decide which is worse.
But I digress. Back to homework, to a poorly feeling boy, and to his mother who was less than thrilled about completing missed assignments. We started with the easiest—Math. Worked our way through the worst–History, Science, and Language–rounding the bend with Bible. Yes, Bible. Our kids attend a Christian school. Having never worked through a Bible lesson with him before, my curiosity was peeked. The day’s lesson?
Bible tracts. What they are, how they’re used, and the overriding hope and purpose behind a small piece of paper that is easily transferred into the hands of total strangers. The lesson emphasized the powerful effect of a tract by citing examples of real, life-changing encounters that have happened as a direct result of a tract being received. The lesson also made mention of the fact that, with these examples, few words were spoken between the individuals in the exchange. Simply a transfer of material between two hearts, two hands. The question for the student (and for this less than cooperative mother/teacher) was, “What does this tell you about what’s written on the tract?”
Both of us sat with the question for a few minutes, and then I asked my son again.
“Jadon, if this small piece of paper, written with a few words from God’s Word, has the power to change a heart and lead a person to surrendering his/her life to Jesus Christ, then what does it say about the words on this tract?”
He thought for a long time. I could tell the wheels were turning in a right and proper direction, and then he responded … better than I thought he might.
“Strong. They’re strong words, mom. If they can change a heart, then they are strong.”
Lesson learned by a boy. Lesson re-learned by a grown woman.
Powerful and effective is the Word of God, strong enough to stand on its own, with or without my own words alongside. God’s Word doesn’t need my words to make it true, to make it right, to make it worthy. Sometimes fewer words from my lips is the better course of action when it comes to the dispensation of God’s truth. Sometimes human dialogue, wordy platitudes, and self-impressed knowledge can hinder truth’s progress. Sometimes it’s just better to let the strong Word of God breathe.
Strong. There’s strength there, friends. When was the last time you released God’s Word into the air, into the heart of a loved one, a family member, a stranger and let it breathe without your manipulation?
I trust in the strength of God’s Word, and I am humbled by the privilege and charge that has been entrusted to me as a child of the King to share it with others. I may not always share it eloquently; more than likely I’ll stumble and bumble my way through the process. But in the end, God’s Word will stand. Not by my might, but by the power and strength of the Mighty One whose Word cannot be undone. Only realized as truth.
Realize Him, this weekend. Recognize Him. Remember Him. Release Him. He will do the rest. As always…
Peace for the journey,
~elaine
LOVE this slice of life story, Elaine. Strong. God-strong. Amen.
Wonderful blog post. God's word is strong and powerful. This was a blessing to me today.
Sometimes my words should remain silent…He doesn't need my help…His Word, ancient words, stand the test of time and His Spirit awakens and speaks louder than my faulty efforts. I need to let God enlighten when sharing His Good News, and not my personal interpretation that pushes towards persuassion.
God's Word is strong. Thanks Jadon for reminding me, and praying you're feeling better today. May His Word bring healing.
Blessings,
Joy
Love the wisdom that comes out of the mouths of children. Can't imagine a better description of God's word… a source of strength! I know the power of destructive words… but I think we often underestimate the power of the only words that really matter!
We don't use tracts out west… don't know why… just know that we don't and have never encountered one till met up with my southern cousin who carries them with her… wonder what a revival would look like if we did, with your son's wisdom – strong indeed!
Love Jadon's response, Elaine. Strong. Yes indeed. Oh the strength of God's Word — I don't know where I'd be without it…
Your words paint whole pictures, from the classroom chase, to the desire NOT to have to do homework,to the strength of God's truth in few words, to the precious response of a child who 'gets it'.
I've never left here without nodding my head in agreement and adding another 'nugget' of truth to my bag of treasures that God has given you, and us.
xo
Today is a day in which I need to trust in that strength.
Jadon did well with that one.
wifeforthejourney:
Thank you for the post you have written here, I'm glad I checked back before going to get the kids from school.
Not only is our son's understanding of God's Word an awesome thing – but I am thankful for a wife and mother to teach him (all of us) how "strong" God's Word is.
Thank you for the grace you extend to me, even when I don't deserve it myself. Like our son recognizes, I need the strength of the Lord to both correct and shape my own heart.
Love having you in my life!
~ Billy
I think our minds are on a parallel track today, Elaine. God spoke to my heart about nearly the same thing early this morning as I was blogging, hours before I read this. Isn't He amazing, that way? His Word is STRONG, and my weakness can't effect it even one tiny bit.
I've had to remind myself that our not believing does not alter it's truth or it's strength either! When my youngest son explained to me this summer that he doesn't believe any more, I tried through my tears to say that his not believing does not diminish who God is…and that He Is! I needed today's reminder that His Word is true through the ages and our not believing it, cannot change it one iota! Thanks for this post, Elaine. Timely as usual!
I like that word – "strong". Swift, powerful, sharp. Your son is a wise one. Already.
So powerful – what a great response from that boy (who I ALWAYS forget is the same age as my Andrew). I will remember this.
Oh, yours ARE eloquent. And your expression of heart response to God's word are always inspiring and beautiful.
So young…yet a profound understanding of God's word…."strong". That speaks volumes!
~Beth~
Your posts always give me much food for thought.
Thanks for this
Out of the mouths of babes …
Love, love, love Travis Cottrell!
Strong are the words of God indeed. Thanks for the reminder to speak them into someones life today or our own!
Debbie
Words are so valuable, indeed, dear Elaine. Our words can do or undo us, and for every idle word we speak, we will have to give an account to the Lord.
What a great lesson learned by your son! I am sure he will never forget what he learned that night. Strong words of a tract, living words of GOd's word, words of commitment… a gentleman's agreement.
Dear friend, once again I thank you for this post. What a timely reminder again to use our words in the right way- just as God's words never return to Him empty without them accomplishing the purpose for which He sends them. I am still in pain from words hastily spoken, as you know. Thank you for praying for me, as I do for you.
Much love
"For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword". Your boy got a little taste of that in his studying. It is soooo true. I can't explain it, nor do I totally understand it, but it is true. As I write the new Bible study on the book of Hebrews, I am getting ready to begin writing from the fourth chapter and you can bet I will be focusing on 4:12 for an entire day of study. I'd love to use this story, if you would not mind, as an illustration.
Love this! Strong. I love that my Lord's words are strong. That He is strong. Thanks for reminding me today!
Love the story – homework doesn't look so bad now does it?
Sometimes just the simple most innocent comments can bring us back to reality and true understanding. Thanks Jadon!
"Strong words" – what a perfect moment in a mother's life. And, so true – praying words get so much farther than speaking words some times. I wis there was a mute button on my mouth that allowed me to finish what I'm saying just to get it out of my system but my sons only hear up to the point of the mute button – I need a mother-lecture editor.
I went to Christian schools but only recently have they been available here. I so miss my boys learning about God in school. Your story is an example of why.
Your post blessed me today:)(yours always blesses me, though)
Wow, out of the mouths of babes! What a strong word for us today, Elaine! Loved the song…it brought me to a place of worship, right here at my desk.
Blessings,
Danie
It always amazes me at how God uses our young ones to speak truth in powerful ways:)
This was powerful! I lead a Bible study ministry and will pass this article onto my leaders. Thank you so much.
Elaine, my mind went immediately to Hebrews 4:12…."For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."…..He is SO right….STRONG are the Words of our Lord !!!
God bless you dear Elaine! and thank you for sharing!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
I love your words, "Sometimes it’s just better to let the strong Word of God breathe." – Amen.
May my words be few and His prevail.
This is so true! God's word has power. What a blessing for someone so young to discover this! "It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it" (Isaiah 55:11).
Blessings, Joan
I have really enjoyed this post. I linked to your blog. I have enjoyed every visit here. Blessings.
I cannot wait to read your site this is great. hopefully when i get time inbetween looking after my three little ones and cleaning the house. I will have a great read. xxx