Open Heaven 1 April 2026 – Word Of Power (2)

Biblical Context

The Gospel of Mark is the shortest and earliest of the four Gospels. Most scholars believe it was written by John Mark, a close associate of Peter and Paul, as mentioned in passages like Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37-39; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; and Philemon 1:24. Mark’s gospel moves at a quick pace, often using the word “immediately” to show Jesus’ actions and miracles. It was likely written for a Roman audience, explaining Aramaic terms and Jewish customs, which you see in verses such as Mark 5:41, which translates an Aramaic phrase for clarity.

Mark’s aim was to show Jesus as the powerful Son of God and as the suffering servant, a King who came to serve others and give His life. The passage in Mark 11, where Jesus curses the fig tree and then teaches about moving mountains, happens right after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, leading into the passion week. It’s a strong reminder of the authority Jesus has and the authority He gives to everyone who follows Him.

Key Word Study

Let’s look closely at the word “say” from our main verse, Mark 11:23. The Greek word used here is `εἴπῃ` (eipe), which comes from `λέγω` (legō). `Legō` means to speak, say, declare, or tell. This isn’t just about making casual small talk; it means a conscious, intentional act of speaking with purpose.

In a spiritual sense, when the Bible tells us to “say” to a mountain, it’s not just about making noise. It’s about speaking with strong conviction, with all the belief in your heart, declaring what you want to see happen, instead of just wishing for it. This isn’t passive hope; it’s active, spoken faith, commanding a change. You’re using your mouth as an instrument of God’s power, bringing His will to pass on earth.

The Power in Your Words

Our source material starts by reminding us of an incredible truth: your words carry power when you are a child of God. It shares a powerful story from Pastor E. A. Adeboye. He was visiting a church abroad and found out one of his pastors was dying in a hospital, kept in a special room for ‘hopeless’ cases. This pastor had cancer, and the doctors didn’t give him much hope.

Instead of just feeling sorry for him, Pastor Adeboye went to the hospital and prayed. He tells us, “I prayed for him and commanded the spirit of death to take its hands off him.” This wasn’t a soft request; it was a strong, authoritative command. He couldn’t pray for the other patients in that room because of local laws, but something amazing happened anyway.

Just about three days later, the pastor was completely healed and discharged from the hospital. The devotional tells us, “It wasn’t my doing; rather, it was God who backed up my word with so much power. I learnt later that on the day he was discharged, every other person in the room was discharged as well.” Just think about that for a minute. His spoken word, backed by God, brought healing to the pastor and somehow caused everyone else in that same room to be discharged too. This really shows us something vital: “Imagine what could have happened if I had heard the sad report concerning him and just sympathised with him instead of declaring the word of God over him.” Sympathy is good, but faith-filled words are what truly change things.

Don’t Keep Quiet; Speak God’s Word

The devotional directly challenges you, saying, “Child of God, you might not know the great miracles you are hindering if you refuse to speak God’s word to unfavourable situations.” This isn’t just about huge, life-or-death situations; it’s about all your daily problems too. You have to understand that “you are not ordinary and your words carry power because you are a child of God.”

When you face a situation that feels like a mountain in your way, something big and tough that stops your progress, you’re not meant to just stare at it or complain about it. You need to speak to it. The Bible tells us in Mark 11:23, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

This isn’t just a nice verse to read; it’s a direct command and a rock-solid promise. You have to say it out loud, not just keep it in your thoughts. And you can’t have doubt in your heart. You’ve got to truly believe that what you say will happen.

You Are a King with Authority

Why do your words have this kind of power? Because of who you are in Christ. Revelation 1:6 says that you are a king. And what do we know about kings? Ecclesiastes 8:4 says that where the word of a king is, there is power. This means every time you speak God’s word, power shows up right then and there.

The devotional points out a major thing that can stop this power from working: “Doubt is one of the major things that can stop power from showing up when you speak.” If you’re saying one thing but your heart is full of doubt, it’s like trying to start a car that has no fuel. It just won’t go. So, don’t stay silent when things are going wrong. “Beloved, don’t keep quiet in the face of negative situations; speak God’s word over them in faith, and they will turn around completely for good, in Jesus’ name.”

Jesus’ Example: Calling the Dead to Life

Let’s look at the example Jesus Himself gave us in Mark 5:35-43. This story perfectly shows the word of power in real life.

Jairus, a ruler in the synagogue, came to Jesus because his daughter was dying. While Jesus was on His way, the terrible news came: “Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?” (Mark 5:35). The situation looked absolutely finished, hopeless.

But Jesus heard it and immediately said to Jairus, “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36). This is a key instruction for us too. Don’t let fear paralyze your faith. Jesus went to Jairus’s house, and there was a lot of sadness and crying. He saw the crowd weeping and wailing loudly. Then Jesus said something that sounded very strange to them: “Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth” (Mark 5:39).

What was their reaction? “And they laughed him to scorn” (Mark 5:40). People will often laugh at your faith, especially when things look impossible. But Jesus didn’t let that stop Him. He put them all out, taking only Peter, James, and John, along with the girl’s parents, into the room where she was lying. Then, He took her by the hand and spoke a word of power: “Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise” (Mark 5:41). He didn’t just wish she’d wake up; He commanded her to.

What happened next? “And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment” (Mark 5:42). Her life was instantly restored because of a spoken word. Jesus then wisely told them not to tell anyone yet and commanded that she be given something to eat, showing His practical care even after the miracle. This shows us that even when others see death, if you’re speaking God’s word, you can call forth life. Your spoken word, combined with faith, can bring a sudden, amazing change. You’re not just speaking into the air; you’re speaking with the authority God has given you.

The Key: Faith and No Doubt

The main message from the `KEY POINT` is crystal clear: “When children of God speak God’s word in faith, God’s power shows up on the scene.” It’s not just speaking; it’s speaking in faith. It’s not just faith; it’s speaking God’s word.

This means you’ve got to know what God says about your situation, then truly believe it, and then speak it out loud. Don’t let what your eyes see or what doctors say be the final word if it goes against what God’s word declares. You’re called to be a person of action, not just a person of thought. Your mouth is a tool for God’s miracles. Use it to declare His promises over your health, your family, your finances, and every part of your life. When you do, God will back up your words with His power, just like He did for the dying pastor and for Jairus’s daughter.