The last time we “talked” I was sitting alone in the desert, asking God how I should explain what happens when we read our Bibles (see Monday’s post “Why Should I Read Something That Is 2000 Years Old?!”). As I sat under the hot Arizona sun, God answered…
As I sat in utter astonishment, wondering how God could speak into my heart each time I read my Bible, the Holy Spirit prompted me to turn to the book of Isaiah, Chapter 55. As I read Isaiah 55:10-13, in my heart I heard, “My Word is Purposeful, Personal, and Powerful:”
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. ~Isaiah 55:11
Purposeful: Isaiah 55:10
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there without watering the earth
And making it bear and sprout,
God’s Word comes to you for a reason…
Personal: Isaiah 55:10
And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
… and that reason is exactly what you need. Whether you need seed to sow or food to eat, God’s Word gives each person what is needed. Although the Bible was written way before your time, God still intends to use it in your life today.
Purposeful: Isaiah 55:11
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
What is written in the Bible and how God intends to use His Word in your life will be accomplished. God’s Word will succeed. He will not allow the Bible to be meaningless or irrelevant.
Powerful: Isaiah 55:12-13
For you will go out with joy
And be led forth with peace;
The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you,
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up,
And instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up,
And it will be a memorial to the Lord,
For an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.
Peace and joy. Moving mountains and trees. Instead of “bad” things, good things will happen. Others will see your life and be led to the Lord and His Word. Wow ~ that’s powerful!
Knowing that the Bible contains what you need, that God intends to use His Word in your life in a powerful way, shouldn’t you make time for it? The Bible will unleash not only the power of God in your life, but the peace and joy you seek.
Dust off that Bible and open your heart to the Lord’s voice!
Has God spoken to you through the Scriptures? I’d love to hear about it and I’m sure it would encourage others ~ so please share in the comments.