Don't Nullify God's Promises

"You have set aside the Word of God [depriving it of force and authority and making it of no effect]." - Matthew 15:6 AMP

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I was listening to a powerful teaching by a godly man some time ago, and he said that we can "nullify" the promises of God, including His healing promises, through anxiety, fear, and fretfulness. I had been suffering with a serious autoimmune disease, and I was earnestly seeking the Lord for wisdom and guidance when I heard this teaching. As if to confirm what this man said, later that day, I read a medical report saying that autoimmune diseases can be worsened by anxiety and worry.

In Matthew 15:6 (NIV), Jesus rebuked the Pharisees by saying, "You nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition." The Lord showed me that there are many ways of "nullifying" His Word besides prioritizing man's traditions over the Scriptures, as these Pharisees were doing, and that fear and worry can have the same effect. In a biblical context, "nullify" often refers to the act of rendering something powerless or ineffective, especially with respect to God's laws or promises. The Amplified Bible says it this way: "You have set aside the Word of God [depriving it of force and authority and making it of no effect]." All along, I was praying and standing on God's promises for my healing, and wondering why I wasn't seeing any results.

Scripture says: "Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." (1 Peter 5:7 AMP) This is not just a divine suggestion from God for His people. It is a specific command to absolutely refuse to carry burdens that have the potential to do our minds and bodies serious harm. The very next verse reveals that fear and worry can give the forces of darkness an entry point into our lives. "Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour." (v. 8) Satan can't "devour" just anyone. He needs to find people who are making themselves vulnerable to attack, and fear is one way to make ourselves an easy target for him. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit tells us in the next verse how we can close the door on the devil every time. "BUT RESIST HIM, BE FIRM IN YOUR FAITH [against his attack - rooted, established, immovable]…" (v. 9) Let's not nullify the promises of God. Instead, let's cooperate with Him to see them come to pass in our lives, and in the lives of our loved ones!

Prayer: Lord, help me to resist the fear and fretfulness that can make Your promises ineffective in my life. Teach me how to stand firm in my faith through the power of Your Spirit, and to reject all doubt and worry. Thank You that as I lean on You, and commit my concerns to You, I will reap all the blessings and benefits of Your Word!

- J. M. Farro

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