After two choking incidences, my six-year-old daughter would not drink or eat.
On the third day after her choking spells, she began drinking, but still would not eat. The doctor and I stayed in touch, thinking she would eat solid food again soon. She did not. After five weeks of my daughter only drinking smoothies and eating pureed food, the doctor said she would have to be hospitalized if she did not eat solid food that week. I was frantic.
I thought if my daughter could somehow feel her throat was more open, she would eat. I remembered reading Scripture about a word that meant “be opened.” I found it in Mark 7:34 and, at lunchtime, spoke the word, “ephphatha,” over my daughter. I saw no change that day.
I felt sad and not very hopeful. The next day, as I had done at lunch many times over the previous five weeks, I asked my daughter if she would like her favorite food: pizza. In a small voice, and on the day after I had spoken the word “ephphatha,” she said, “Yes.”
Though written by human hands, the inspired word emanates from God. As a living word with deep meaning, Scripture is always new and revelatory for every circumstance … always ready to speak to scenarios in our present situation. God knows and loves those to whom He speaks.
Jesus is the Word. His words are life and enlighten us with understanding, knowledge, insight, and wisdom to make the right decisions and to keep us healthy and safe.
When we speak His words, we replace fear, sickness, suffering, and grief with words for healing, wholeness, peace, and release from evil. We speak words that replace lack with words for sustenance and opportunity.
When we speak the living word of Scripture, it has power. God’s Word, once spoken, provides what is available from our kingdom inheritance. Our answer is within reach.
God loves you and will answer your prayers.
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Catherine Rosenthal was born in Lewiston, Maine, and is currently residing in Winter Park, Florida. She graduated with an education degree from the University of Central Florida and continued graduate theological course work through the Loyola University, LIMEX program. In 2009, she received certification as an ecclesial lay minister. Her passion for writing comes from a desire to give hope, encouragement, keys, and strategies for living life well as well as to be a voice to speak to injustices.