“Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.” Jeremiah 5:14 (KJV).
This past Christmas, I received a book by Billy Graham titled *Hear My Heart: What Would I Say to You*. I don’t often quote from the King James Version, but I want to share excerpts from this great evangelist, who often spoke from this version of God’s Word. One part of his story profoundly moved me.
In a section of his book, Billy Graham recounts a time when he wrestled with doubt regarding the Word of God and its meanings. He opened his heart and said, “I knelt before the open Bible and said: ‘Lord, many things in this Book I do not understand. But Thou hast said, “The just shall live by faith.” All I have received from Thee, I have taken by faith. Here and now, by faith, I accept the Bible as Thy Word. I take it all. I take it without reservations. Where there are things I cannot understand, I will reserve judgment until I receive more light. If this pleases Thee, give me authority as I proclaim Thy Word, and through that authority, convict me of sin and turn sinners to the Savior.”
This incident occurred when Billy Graham began his preaching ministry in 1949. It took me back to my first year in Bible school when I questioned whether I would ever be able to understand God’s Word. I would often stare at my Bible, filled with so many questions. Thankfully, my instructors helped pave the way for me to gain knowledge and understanding. I remember feeling immense relief when I read Deuteronomy 29:29 (NIV): “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” I recall the moment vividly, sensing the LORD lift that burden from my heart. Over the years, I learned that if I couldn’t find an answer, the Holy Spirit would reveal what I needed to know in due time. Sometimes it comes in crashing waves; other times, it appears as gentle ripples. Ultimately, I learned by faith that God’s Word is true and can change the hardest of hearts and dispel any doubt. I will continue to trust God with the things I still do not know.
Reverend Graham overcame his doubts and preached with authority and faith. Reflecting on his Los Angeles crusade, he said, “Over and over again, I found myself saying, ‘THE BIBLE SAYS.’ I felt like I was merely a voice through which the Holy Spirit spoke. Authority created faith, faith generated responses, and hundreds of people were compelled to come to Christ. The Bible became a flame in my hands. That flame melted away unbelief in the hearts of the people and moved them to decide for Christ.” He also quoted Jeremiah 23:29 (KJV), “Is not my Word like as a fire? saith the LORD, and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?”
As I reflect on the words “fire” and “hammer,” I recall how just one line or one scripture can burn inside me, convict me, and break away the stone surrounding my heart. It’s incredible how our unseen God can speak—whether verbally, through others, or His Word—and change the course of our thoughts, beliefs, and lives in the blink of an eye.
Reverend Graham quoted Hebrews 4:12 (KJV): “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s Word is our light, our sword, the water that quenches our souls, the bread that fills our emptiness, the fire that ignites us, and the hammer that breaks our hearts of stone, revealing the flesh that beats for Him with a desire to know Him more.
Billy Graham concludes this chapter by urging, “Preach the Scriptures with authority! You will witness a climatic change in your ministry.” He addresses the fact that many people do not believe the Word of God or think it originates from ordinary men. Some even claim that the Lord does not mean what He says. Sadly, they do not know the Author. Like many of you, I’ve heard these hurtful statements. I often say, “If only you would open His Word and read.” I am incredibly grateful for a church that teaches God’s Word through sermons, Bible school, and various groups. What an excellent discipleship program Becoming HeartStrong is! It is a place where we gather to encourage one another. As we explore His Word, it touches us in profound ways, affirming that His Word is true and that God is real.
Thank You, LORD, for Your Word that lights our path. We pray that as we read Your truth, we allow it to examine us while we seek You in every verse. Give us the courage to share Your Word with loving authority, knowing by faith that it can penetrate deeply into the hearts of those who hear it and soften hardened hearts. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, open the eyes and hearts of those who have yet to know Your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
