The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (NKJV)

John the Baptist got a Word, a revelation, from God about who Jesus was. He even saw the Spirit of God descend on Jesus like a dove. That had to be quite an experience for John. However, later when John is thrown into prison, he sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah or if they should look for another. What happened? The enemy came in and applied pressure on John’s circumstances. In the midst of the hardship, John let go of the revelation he had been given. He failed to hold onto the Word. Jesus reassured John the Baptist that He was indeed the Messiah.

Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:  The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. Matthew 11:4-5 (NKJV) emphasis mine

Jesus told them to report what they heard and saw. He used this wording because He was giving John a Word again from God- a Word to hear and see Who He was based on the evidence at hand. He knew John would understand that these actions were the fulfilling of prophetic scriptures, and it would encourage him to keep walking with God.

When we get a Word from God, the enemy will come to steal the Word; to try to get us to question if God really meant what He said. If we begin to express doubt that it will come to pass, then the devil has stolen the Word we received. We must choose to hold onto the Word no matter what things look like.

Peter had a revelation that Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ, and still he was tempted to deny and disown Jesus when He needed him most. Yet, after the resurrection, Jesus Himself came to Peter and restored him to ministry.

When the pressure is on, we need to press into God and His Word and not let go of what He has told us. When questions, confusion, and delays come, you can make it through. The best and most practical way to hold onto a Word is to write it down, keep it front of your eyes, and speak about it often.

But, don’t be condemned if you have let go of a past Word from God. Repent and seek the Lord. He is faithful to bring it back around, just like He did for John the Baptist and Peter. And when he does, hold fast to the Word with a renewed grip and don’t let go.