In light of the content of this podcast particularly, it’s important to reiterate God’s promise from 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.” God’s Word is always powerful, but sometimes in ways we may not get to see or understand. This week we are reminded that even when we speak God’s word, with His purpose, it may not look like it’s turning out ok. Sometimes we think that it automatically should. But illness sometimes overtakes, divorce sometimes wins out, people sometimes keep making the choices we wish they wouldn’t.
Just trust that God’s Word will not return empty but will accomplish what He desires and will achieve the purpose for which HE sends it. 1 Corinthians 13:12 “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” (NLT)
Wow that was beautifully powerful! I really appreciated the comments about waiting on God’s timing with our kids. I have 3 teenagers who constantly amaze and frustrate me! Sometimes things come up that they said or did based on a spiritual truth that I wasn’t sure was “in there” and I am reminded that I don’t necessarily see the growth under the surface where things have been planted…and now I can add that I don’t know when it’s harvest time. In fact, I’m not sure whether strawberries or pumpkins are growing, but something is growing where God’s word is planted!
All the wonderful insights by the women around the table this week brought this verse to mind: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (ESV)
It is comforting to be assured by God Himself (via Paul) that He works so powerfully through our brokenness! Some parallel verses:
http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/12-9.htm