Hi everyone. This is my first post in several years, my daughter, in the profile pic is now 10 years old.
This topic is something that I have been struggling with for many years. See, I am not aware of any WOF churches in this part of Africa, but I do identify with WOF teaching based on what the Holy Spirit has been teaching me Himself since over 40 years ago. I always used to dwell on this topic until one day, years ago.
It was December, and myself and my loved ones had no proper vacation for a few years. So, this one was very welcome indeed. We arrived at the seaside resort, and admired the beautiful view from the 7th floor. I remember thanking the Lord for this opportunity to have some rest after a long time of hard work.
So, the next day, we were awoken by the incessant "zinging" sound of what they called a Christmas beetle. It carried on, day and night - meaning we were unable to get any rest. It got so bad, that one morning, I prayed and asked the Lord for help. The words of Jesus came to me when He spoke about faith that can move mountains. So, thinking to myself "But I'm not anywhere near that point to be able to declare things into or out of being" So, the Spirit says to me "But my child, there is nothing wrong with your faith." This stunned me. Again, I was reminded of the fact that all believers receive a measure of faith. So, after a lot of considering and praying, I declared silence over this insect. Knowing that things we declare by faith, in the exact will of God and aligned with what His Word says, I believed that reality would catch up with this insect soon enough.
And for sure, a little later in the day the realization dawned on me that there was no sound from that pesky insect anymore. We were able to relax and have a peaceful night's rest.
So, the next morning, the noise started up again. I could sense the enemy wanting to tell me that my faith just isn't strong enough. After again praying for guidance, it dawned on me that my only mistake was in not being specific. What was needed was to declare silence over all those insects - not just one of them. So again, boldly declaring silence over all of them in the name of Jesus Christ, they fell silent an hour later or so. Again, we had a lovely day and slept peacefully.
The next morning it started up again, and a crushing feeling of disappointment came over me. This time, it felt like I was dying inside. I called out to the Lord to protect my faith from the enemy's lies and strengthen me. Right there, it dawned on me that my mistake, again, was not being specific. Without hesitation, I declared silence over all those insects, in the entire state, and from then, into all of eternity, until God the Almighty decides differently. They all were dead quiet for the rest of our stay. Even 7 years later, we went back to the same resort, and never heard them again.
The takeaway from this, for me, is that yes, we can declare things by faith and see them materialize shortly after. There's just some things to keep in mind before doing so:
1. Is what you want to declare lined up with the Bible's teachings, such as love, obedience to God's will, walking in the Spirit and careful consideration of the implications on your fellow man?
2. Is it something that you know in your heart the Lord would want for you, such as rest, peace, protection?
3. Would there be any possibility that what you want would harm or rob anyone else of anything good or valuable?
4. If this thing fails to ever materialize, know that the evil one would try to wreck your faith, and be prepared to stand strong.
So, I believe as Christians that we have that power to declare things into or even out of being, as long as it lines up with God's will and ways. After all, faith cannot be used in contravention of God's will.
PS. I see this thread is a bit old, so mods, if my post violates forum rules, please delete it, as I have no desire to commit thread necromancy.