The temperature dropped yesterday and rain threatened, but I got up and went for a run anyway since the rest of the week is also supposed to be rainy. Just as I was finishing my run a few snowflakes began falling. As I watched the snow and then the rain (thankfully after I got inside!) I was reminded of the verses that have been hanging on my bathroom mirror for the past 2 years.
Isaiah 55:10-11
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
I feel like the 'will not' should be italicized and bold, as well as the 'will accomplish.' In Japanese there is a word there that means 'without fail' which is used in this verse: 必ず. When I feel like God's love is bouncing off of people rather than sinking into their hearts I am reminded that God's word will accomplish His desire (not mine!), will achieve the purpose for which He sent it. 必ず！
The verses just before these two verses remind me that my ways are not what matter, not that they are right or wrong, but that God's ways are so much better than mine. When I think that my way is the best way, there is absolutely no way this situation could turn out any better than by my way, God has to remind me that His ways are higher than mine, and His word will achieve the purpose for which it was sent-by Him. 必ず！
I often have very good ideas, sometimes others even agree with my good ideas. However, sometimes my good ideas don't work or don't come to fruition and then God reminds me that His purpose is higher, His way is better and, 必ず, His purpose will be achieved.
Thankfully He works in spite of my pushing ahead at times or my bad attitude about doing things His way. Then when I see how amazingly He orchestrated things, verse 12 of chapter 55:
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
I can praise God along with all of creation for the way He works.
3 comments:
Thank you Shan for sharing your thoughts as they have a big impact on me. I need the reminder God is where my strength comes from and is the reason for my life not what I want to do, say, or think. When I do, say, and think my thoughts I go the wrong direction or think bad of life and what is happening to me is not fair.
Great post.
By the way, the "trek" took place in the Nolanville/Harker Heights area. Very similar hills to where the Mannings live.
Hi Shan,
Just wanted to say Thank you!
I read your post last week before preaching for my first time in (limited) Japanese. Was a great reminder that the words will not return empty - they will accomplish His desire!
I'm moving your way on Monday! Hope to see you in Kansai someday soon!
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