The Power of Suggestion
And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” – Joshua 3:5 NKJV
I was driving home the other day from bible study when a song playing from my iPod brought back a vivid memory that I will never forget. The memory itself isn’t important to this post, but the person and relative timing of when this particular memory took place surely is. Two years ago, I had a brief conversation with this person – then an acquaintance, now a close friend – which sparked a chain of events that changed the course of my life. Never underestimate the power of suggestion. I can’t remember the exact words she said but they included something like “You should share your story.” I didn’t even think I had a “story” worth sharing to individuals, let alone worth sharing to groups of people with a microphone in my hand. The funny thing is that people seem to be encouraged by it. God does work in mysterious ways, doesn’t he?
I wonder what biblical history would have looked like had Joshua not been bold enough to inspire the people of Israel to cross the massive overflowing Jordan river (Josh 3:15) into the promised land. Keep in mind that this was no dribbling stream and there was no bridge present to cross over. This was a roaring river and to cross it required a leap of faith and literal miracle of God. I love this story. Joshua listened to God, conveyed God’s message to the people and then took part in a miracle.
Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan. (Josh 3:17 NKJV)
This was the start of something big. A turning point in the history of the nation of Israel. Have you ever really thought about the impact of your words on those around you? One sentence could alter the course of another’s life forever. That can be an exciting thought. That’s why we must continually seek God’s direction in our lives and try to be the people He wants us to be. We must make every moment count and be aware of opportunities to both speak for and listen to God wherever we find ourselves. Remember, never underestimate the power of suggestion. Live for impact.
For further thought:
1) What opportunities lie in your life where you can make a difference?
2) How can you impact your today for tomorrow?
3) What action will you take today to make a difference in someone else’s life? Who has made a difference in yours? Do they know it? If they don’t, let them know.
Wow Janna,
This is just an exciting post….. Thankyou for these words. It is facinating the timing as my post tomorrow is about the words we speak…
I am so inspired today. Thank you my friend. Hugs!
What a fabulous and challenging post. An awesome way to start the week!
You are right, Janna. We can with our words impact someones life. I think that it is also important that we watch what we are saying. Because our words can not only encourage, but also discourage…I really need to be aware of that more often…
Their are many people who have impacted my life with what they have said, most of them positive 🙂 And yes, I do let them know how they have impacted me 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us.
Thanks for your inspiration.
Thank you Janna for this beautiful post. It really challenges me to be more careful of the words I say.
I praise God for the people the Lord have placed in my life, people who saw something I did not. My mentors have meant the world to me.