If you're a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles or know one, then you've probably heard of Brian Dawkins or seen his jersey. Of the 16 years that he played as a Safety in the NFL, he played 13 years for the Eagles, which is where he adopted the nickname Weapon X. A devout husband and father that's been married to his high school sweetheart since their junior year at Clemson University, he is the first player in NFL history to record a sack, an interception, forced fumble, and a touchdown reception in a single game. Wondering how the most non-competitive person on the planet knows this? Well, I watched his documentary last night and something that he said stuck with me...
"You can fight those things that you know are attacking you."
And that's what Brian Dawkins did every time he put his uniform on, and it made him feared on the football field and loved by Philly fans till this day. He was a weapon that knew how to hit his targets and that's what I want to do whenever I speak and pray. Interestingly enough, I woke up from a dream a few weeks ago that had several people in it that I like and love dearly. I'll confess that most of the dream didn't seem deep or prophetic, but then something powerful happened at the end. I saw the word, "words" appear before me then the letters shifted into the word, "sword". The next thing I heard was...
Your words are a sword.
A lot of people that know me or have heard me speak would probably describe me as blunt, funny, and direct. My goal no matter who I'm talking to is to be truthful and clear in an effort to prevent confusion about where I stand, what I believe, and what I know. I wasn't always like this though, especially during my childhood. Believe it or not I am one of the least strong-headed people in my immediate family, and I was a crybaby. Unfortunately, tears on the playground didn't receive a warm welcome from my peers in Philly, which forced me to find my voice and use it. Then when I finally made the transition into adulthood, I had to learn how to use my words to build people up and not solely as a defensive weapon whenever I felt attacked or offended.
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
Since starting PIAL 2 years ago, I've had to become even more confident in my voice and that requires me to seek the LORD daily. I can't be a know-it-all with my Father because He already knows it all. I can't lead a prayer call or a Bible Study unless the Holy Spirit is there to guide me into all truth. Speaking up for myself is one thing, but it's the Holy Spirit that has taught me how to avoid praying amiss and continues to tell me what to pray for other people. Not to mention guiding me through how to teach on difficult topics and navigate hard conversations with love.
Truth is, I do want my words to cut through the fog of sin that we've all found ourselves in at one point or another in our lives. I want them to be an ax that can destroy the roots of what keeps people bound to ungodliness and iniquity. But I can't do this unless I study the word of God, and I certainly can't have an impact for the Kingdom of Heaven unless I house the Holy Spirit. I also can't be effective if I allow the praises and criticism of other people to shut me up.
“O you sword of the LORD, How long until you are quiet? Put yourself up into your scabbard, Rest and be still! How can it be quiet, Seeing the LORD has given it a charge against Ashkelon and against the seashore? There He has appointed it.” - Jeremiah 47:6-7
If I am a vessel of honor for God and my words are a sword, then I can't keep quiet and neither should you because the LORD has given us a charge on earth. It's both a blessing and a relief to finally know what I'm here for, and I encourage you to seek the LORD if you're still unsure that you have a calling on your life and an assignment from God in this season. The short answer is: you do.
Are you convinced that your words are powerful and can have a positive impact?
