Dear Friends!

Some people drift through life saying, “Whatever happens, happens.” But I’ve discovered that’s not how faith talks. And it’s not how God designed you to live.

You weren’t created to be at the mercy of your mood or circumstances. You’ve been given something powerful — your words. The Bible says your tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). That means your words are steering your day — and ultimately, your life.

So let me encourage you today: You don’t have to live a “whatever happens, happens” life. You can declare God’s promises and shift the entire direction of your future.

If a circumstance at work looks impossible, choose to say, “With God, all things are possible!” (Matthew 19:26).
When the bills pile up and you’re not sure how you’re going to make ends meet, choose to declare, “My God shall supply all my needs!” (Philippians 4:19).
If bad news in the world threatens to steal your peace, choose to say, “I’m not going to worry. I cast all my cares upon the Lord because He cares about me!” (1 Peter 5:7).

I remember a situation that took place several years ago involving a friend of mine. It was something that upset me very much. But God showed me something during that time. Each time I talked about it, I would have a difficult time getting it off my mind for the rest of the day.

Because of this, I stayed frustrated and upset. Eventually, I realised I was just replaying a disappointing situation every time I talked about it. If I wanted to move forward, I had to stop verbally going over it again and again.

So, do you know what I did? Whenever someone asked me about the situation, I started answering in a way that was life-transforming. I would say:

“It is better for me if I just don’t talk about it.”

Not saying the wrong thing was actually the starting point for me to be able to focus on the right (truth-based) thing to say. I believe the same is true in your life as well.

Choosing to replay the problem with your words only steals your peace and joy. When you continually speak negative words — This car is a piece of junk! I’m fed up with this job! My kids are out of control! — you are going to be constantly upset.

But avoiding negative words is only half the battle. With God’s help, you can learn to line up your words with His words — His promises. His words are spirit and life (John 6:63 AMP).

Hebrews 4:14 (AMP) says that we should hold fast our confession [of faith . . . in Him as Saviour]. The word confession means “to say the same thing as.” This is why it is so important for us to say what God says — to speak His Word — not what our feelings or our circumstances are telling us.

If you speak out God’s Word, those words of faith will progressively transform your life…

I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37).
There is no challenge I can’t overcome with God’s help (Philippians 4:13).
Today is going to be a day full of joy and victory (Psalm 118:24).
My children and grandchildren are going to follow God’s plan for their lives (Isaiah 54:13).

Now, I know firsthand that learning to use your words to set your life in a new direction doesn’t happen overnight. Years ago, I struggled with my thoughts and my words.

It took me a while to learn that I was not a victim of my circumstances — that I didn’t have to let troubling events or difficult people control what kind of day I was going to have.

As I studied God’s Word, I discovered how to line up my words with God’s promises. And over time, as I continued to do this diligently, my whole life changed — my ministry, my marriage, my relationships with others, my level of joy.

I know from experience: The words we speak determine the life we live. I’m so thankful that God was patient with me, and that He continued to correct and instruct me on how to set my thoughts on things above and speak life to my own heart.

And I’m so excited to send you this letter today . . . because I know He can do the same thing for you!

Remember, you’re not helpless, and you don’t have to live a “whatever happens, happens” kind of life. You can stand in agreement with God’s promises and set a completely new course for your life.

When you speak the truth of God’s Word, there is no limit to what He can do!

Take a moment each evening to ask yourself: