The Power of Confession

It was F.F. Bosworth who wrote, "We never rise above our confession." Essentially, this statement points to the fact that if our words are filled with skepticism and doubt, or if they have been drowned in despair or biting sarcasm, then it is certain that we will achieve very little in life. But if our confession is charged with faith and a sunny optimism, then the sky is the limit as to what we can accomplish. This is why we can be imprisoned or set free by what we actually say.

Legendary Canadian General Sir Isaac Brock (pictured at left) learned the importance of confession when he faced the prospect of an invasion by American forces from Detroit. As all you history buffs know, Brock was given the responsibility of organizing an army of British and Canadian soldiers in 1811, but when war broke out between Canada and the United States in 1812, he was faced with trying to mount a defense. And yet, his major problem was not with his soldiers, but with the people living near the border across from Detroit. Writing to his commanding officer in Montreal, Brock said:

"My situation is most critical, not from anything the enemy can do, but from the disposition of the people - A full belief possesses them all that this Province (Ontario) must inevitably succumb."

Brock's analysis was that the problem was not with the enemy, but with what the people actually believed and then confessed! In other words, he was concerned that they were defeated even before the battle had begun. Brock's experience parallels the kind of challenges we face as Christians, for so often the work of God is either hindered or promoted by the very words we use. Clearly, we must remember Bosworth's pointed words, "Our confession rules us."