Vocabulary To Victory
- Admin
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
May 08, 2025
“From the words of his mouth, a man will enjoy good things”
- Proverbs 13:2 (HCSB)
In 2018, IKEA UAE launched a social experiment called “Bully A Plant.” This campaign took place in a school and aimed to demonstrate the impact of negative words. Two identical plants were placed in a hallway under similar conditions, with the only difference being the auditory treatment each plant received. Students recorded compliments for one plant and negative words for the other. Each recording was played in a loop for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, the plant exposed to negative talk appeared unhealthy, while the plant that received positive words thrived. IKEA’s message was clear: our words are powerful.
Our words can shape our realities and circumstances. In Genesis 1:3, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Our words carry authority for both good and harm (Proverbs 18:21). In Numbers 13-14, twelve spies were sent to scout the land God had promised to the Israelites. Ten of the spies returned with negative reports, expressing fear and doubt. They claimed, “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes” (Numbers 13:33), and lamented, “Oh, that we had died in Egypt!” (Numbers 14:2). Their negative words ultimately led to their downfall, as God declared in Numbers 14:28, “Tell them, I will do the very thing I heard you say.”
Our words can shape our realities and circumstances.
In contrast, Caleb and Joshua spoke words of faith and trust in God (Numbers 13:30). They saw the same giants and obstacles as the other spies but chose to focus on God’s promise to give them the land (Numbers 14:6-9). While others feared death, Caleb and Joshua’s faith propelled them into the Promised Land. They remind us today that our words are creative; they can lead us toward our “Promised Land” or away from it.
We will face challenges in this world, but Jesus has overcome them for us (John 16:33). Will you speak faith-filled words to create your victory (Hebrews 13:15), or will you use your words to invite defeat? The choice is yours. Decide today to speak victory over your circumstances and silence the urge to complain.
Prayer - I speak life to every area of my life and declare God’s power flows through my circumstances and situations. I declare that I flourish on all sides through the power of the Holy Spirit, In Jesus name. Amen
