Friday, August 8, 2008
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
THE WORD WORKS
In the house-building business, possibly the most exciting time is the framing process. It takes time to level the ground, dig the footers, pour the foundation and make preparations for the building. But once the framing starts, the building starts to take shape quickly. Here you can see real progress. With great excitement you are able to see big changes with every new day.
Sometimes it seems to be so different in the church. We preach and we teach the Word, but we don't see any change. The membership might stay the same while other churches seem to have plenty of visible results -- everything seems to be going their way. We can easily become discouraged as we work in the LORD's kingdom, because the results are not always visible.
But that is the key: The results are not always visible! We need to remember that while the results are not always visible to us, they are to LORD. We only need to concern ourselves with the proper handling of the Word of God, to preach it faithfully, and the LORD will take care of the rest. He promises us that His Word can and does accomplish much! It accomplishes His good and perfect will.
The Word of God works, and it is all that is needed to bring the sin-sick heart to Christ for healing, full and free. So don't be discouraged -- just focus on the faithful preaching of the Word and be confident that the LORD will do the rest!
Preach you the Word and plant it home
To those who like or like it not,
The Word that shall endure and stand
When flowers and mortals are forgot.
(Worship Supplement 2000, 781:1)
